together instead of lonely: Angelika Böning and their use for visually impaired

Gütersloh: The sighted helper for blind people for 50 years - for each other

In Gütersloh, the blind and visually impaired association has been for community and support for five decades. Angelika Böning is a central figure of the club and is lovingly referred to by the members as the “sighted helper”. With her request that the cake may be sufficient for the weekly meetings, she shows not only her anticipation, but also her commitment to the community. These meetings offer the participants, both with and without visual impairment, the opportunity to spend time together, to exchange ideas and to maintain social contacts.

increased demand for leisure activities

The demand for social offers for people with visual impairments in North Rhine-Westphalia has increased significantly. In 2023, over 27,000 people in North Rhine -Westphalia raised entitlement to blind money, which illustrates the problem that many affected people experience when accessing social activities. Seniors in particular often face major hurdles when it comes to leisure activities and social participation. The blind association in Gütersloh has set itself the task of offering these people a platform that is tailored to their special needs.

history of engagement

Angelika Böning came to the club through her connection to her husband, who was born blindly. Her motivation to get involved in the blind club is unbroken, even after the early loss of her husband. With great family support, including her daughters and grandchildren, she continues to contribute significantly to the smooth running of the club activities. This personal connection to the topic makes your work particularly sensitive and understanding.

community in everyday life

The meetings of the association are not only a place of encounter, but also a space for creative and relaxing activities. The participants play games that are specifically adapted to their needs, for example with “Human not annoying yourself” with special characters. Angelika Böning reads to those present and helps them wherever they can, and thus shows the deeply rooted principle of mutual support in the community. Their tireless efforts are valued and many members feel very comfortable because of their help and presence.

The work of the blind and visually impaired association in Gütersloh is a constant example of voluntary activities that positively influence the lives of many people. The importance of such initiatives is particularly clear in an environment based on community and support, since they have a positive impact on the quality of life of the participants.