Volunteer network against loneliness: 3 years of togetherness!

Volunteer network against loneliness: 3 years of togetherness!

At a time when many people feel lonely, the Malteser project “Together - For Each Other” is closing its doors after three years. [bistum-Speyer] reports that this initiative, which was supported by the federal government, aimed to combat loneliness and create new forms of togetherness. A network for encounters and support was established in the Germersheim and Neustadt districts, bringing together not only seniors but also volunteers.

As part of the project, numerous volunteer opportunities were launched. These include visiting services, in which around 30 seniors were supported, as well as a surrogate grandparent project that has been generating enthusiasm in the region since August 2023. 10 families were brought together with 14 active volunteers, who were previously introduced through discussions and getting to know each other. Over 80 new volunteers became involved during the project, and many of them remain active.

A cross-generational togetherness

The surrogate grandparent project, which [malteser] reports on in detail, aims to connect young families with older people who do not have a family support network nearby. Demand is high and Maltese is being approached by more and more young parents who miss the support of older people such as reading aloud, visits to the playground or even help with bicycle repairs. Further surrogate grandparents are currently being sought in Hatzenbühl, Hördt, Neupotz, Lingenfeld, Niederotterbach and Edesheim.

The coordinator Marion Karl emphasizes that such low-threshold, voluntary offers are particularly important in order to actively counteract loneliness. It turns out that interaction between generations has become rare these days, which affects many old and young people alike.

A look at the social situation

The question of loneliness is not just a local issue. As the [bmfsfj] explains, millions of people in Germany feel lonely, which affects all age groups. Older women and younger people are particularly affected by this issue. Since October 2022, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs has been supporting numerous projects to combat social isolation and strengthen opportunities for participation.

The ESF Plus program is currently running, supporting more than 70 projects with innovative approaches. This also includes special offers for older people who are leaving the workforce. The aim is to enable social participation through regional networks and cooperation that reduces loneliness.

In summary, it can be said that the Maltese people's commitment is a valuable part of these efforts. The positive feedback from participants and volunteers shows that strong cooperation is definitely possible. Anyone who is interested in becoming part of this movement or looking for support themselves can contact Marion Karl or Anette Langhauser directly. The contact details can be found on the Malteser website.