Volunteering in Schotten: Neighborhood help shines as a role model!
Head of Social Affairs Patrick Krug visits the neighborhood assistance association in Schotten on October 27th, 2025 and praises volunteer work.

Volunteering in Schotten: Neighborhood help shines as a role model!
In a remarkable visit to the neighborhood help group in Schotten, Patrick Krug, head of the social affairs department and first district councilor, praised the voluntary commitment of the association, which has existed since 2003 and now has around 250 members. This organization's mission is to support people in difficult life situations, especially older citizens. FNP reports that the neighborhood help provides numerous valuable services, such as shopping assistance, household help, accompaniment to doctor's visits, minor repairs, as well as technical support and babysitting.
The association also organizes a digital café, a regulars' table, cell phone courses and a repair café. An exclusive delivery service for immobile people allows them to have groceries delivered conveniently to their home from local supermarkets. The community bus is also available to take members to various shopping locations. Krug emphasized the long-term importance of the club for social cohesion and emphasized that the club administration is almost completely digitalized.
Diversity of support
Neighborhood assistance is not only a valuable support for people who want to live independently, but is also seen as an important form of physical and emotional support. How on safelifespace.de As explained, neighborhood assistance is aimed primarily at people in need of care who need support in everyday life. This support usually comes from volunteer neighbors or helpers with everyday tasks.
It is important that neighborhood assistance also offers financial relief. In many federal states there is a relief amount of 131 euros per month, which can be used for recognized neighborhood assistance. However, the procedure differs depending on the federal state; Therefore, precise applications and billing modalities are crucial.
Legal framework
Neighborhood help is a form of voluntary support that is regulated according to Section 45a SGB XI. It is important to know that, unlike professional nursing services that provide medical care, neighborhood assistance includes everyday assistance. The support ranges from preparing meals to social support and help with household chores. Senior Focus highlights that this form of help becomes particularly important when family members and professional services are not sufficient.
In order to be recognized as a neighborhood helper, individual requirements must be met, such as being of legal age and not living in a household with those in need of care. Registration with the responsible office is a prerequisite in order to be able to take formal action. These regulations help to create trust between those helping and those in need, which is particularly important in neighborhood assistance.
Overall, it shows that volunteering in neighborhood help not only benefits those in need, but also creates awareness of help among younger people. Neighborhood help is a prime example of successful solidarity within the community and is actively practiced by members and helpers.