Niebüll becomes a safe refuge: Children's emergency islands start now!

Niebüll becomes a safe refuge: Children's emergency islands start now!

The city of Niebüll in the North Friesland district is now taking the first step to actively promote the safety of children. On June 25, 2025, the Youth Committee decided to participate in the “Children’s Emergency Islands” project. The aim of this innovative concept is to offer children a safe haven in dangerous or frightening situations. Shops, kindergartens and doctor's offices become contact points for these children so that they can find help at any time. According to NDR, the staff of the partner stores will be trained so that they can provide responsible support in an emergency.

The concept of children's emergency islands enables children to act independently in everyday life, be it on the way to school or at play. However, these paths are not always unproblematic because children can find themselves in threatening situations. This is where the project comes in: The Niebüller SPD initiated the proposal to introduce emergency islands in order to offer support to the children in their city. The parliamentary group leader Andreas Esch emphasizes that help can be provided by listening, consoling or through contact with parents or schools, as [SHZ](https://www.shz.de/lokales/niebuell-leck/artikel/kinder-in-angst- Nimm-niebuell-am-kindernotinsel-projekt-teil-48739723) also summarizes.

Financing and practical implementation

The introduction of the emergency islands is supported with financial resources of 750 euros for the first year of the project and 1,250 euros for printing material. Annual follow-up expenses amount to 175 euros. The German Child Protection Foundation Hänsel + Gretel, which is behind the project, has been protecting children from violence since 1997 and has established a large number of around 250 locations in Germany, as documented on Hänsel + Gretel.

In Niebüll, the emergency islands are installed visibly in retail stores, pharmacies, bakeries and banks. With the Notinsel sign, these businesses show that they are ready to help children in need and are actively committed to child protection. Training staff in these stores ensures they are well prepared to respond quickly in an emergency and create a safe environment for children.

Safe routes for children

Participation in the project could turn Niebüll into an “emergency island city” where parents can trust that there are safe places to go for their children, especially in unknown cities. The city itself will be responsible for maintaining and keeping the emergency islands up to date, while the main costs will be borne by the German Child Protection Foundation. The next step after the decision is to select a representative for the implementation of the project.

Overall, this project demonstrates an important initiative that not only serves to raise awareness of child protection, but also actively contributes to the safety of children in everyday life. By participating in the children's emergency islands, Niebüll is sending a strong signal for the protection and refuge of the little ones.