Michaela Barth receives the Bavarian Hospice Prize for her commitment in Landsberg!

Michaela Barth receives the Bavarian Hospice Prize for her commitment in Landsberg!

On October 20th, the Hospice Prizes of the Bavarian Hospice Foundation 2025 were awarded in the Diocesan House of St. Otto in Bamberg. This award recognizes exceptional commitment to volunteer work and exemplary projects in hospice work. Augsburger Allgemeine reported that the award ceremony was also a nice opportunity to reflect on the importance of volunteer work in this sensitive area.

This year the prizes went to two outstanding initiatives: The Volunteer Foundation Prize was awarded to Michaela Barth from the Landsberg am Lech hospice and palliative association, while the Malteser children and youth hospice service “Mutmacher” in Landshut received the prize for a particularly successful project.

Michaela Barth: A life for hospice work

Michaela Barth has been involved in the hospice and palliative care association since it was founded in 1991 and has become a hospice companion from the very beginning. Her personal commitment was shaped by a deep loss at a young age, which greatly influenced her motivation to support dying people and their families. Bavaria's Health and Care Minister Judith Gerlach praised the voluntary commitment in a video message and emphasized how important it is that people are not left alone on their final journey in life. Dr. Opolony from the Bavarian State Ministry for Health, Care and Prevention gave the laudatory speech for Michaela Barth and highlighted her tireless commitment, which is based on strong faith and the support of her family.

The “comfort suitcase” for grieving children

The children and youth hospice service “Mutmacher” received another award for its “Consolation Case” project. This suitcase is a valuable support for children who have to deal with the loss of a loved one. Bavarian Hospice Foundation explains that the suitcase contains, among other things, age-appropriate books about grief, non-fiction books and guides for parents, as well as a Trösterli teddy that acts as a companion for the children. Craft instructions and a customizable candle are also part of the offer. The “Consolation Suitcase” can be borrowed free of charge and is also available to schools, which further increases the diverse support for the grieving children.

Volunteering in the hospice service: A look behind the scenes

Working in the hospice service is a matter of the heart. Eva, a volunteer in the outpatient hospice service, regularly visits an older man named Peter. Their visits usually take place at the kitchen table, where they not only chat about past events but also help Peter with technical matters. The outpatient service aims to support and advise those affected and their relatives. Maltese emphasizes that such encounters often bring small but great relief for those affected.

To celebrate the evening of the award ceremony, there was a standing reception where guests took the opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate the importance of volunteering in hospice work.