NDR launches Hand in Hand for Northern Germany” campaign against addiction!

NDR launches Hand in Hand for Northern Germany” campaign against addiction!

On December 1, 2025, the starting signal was given for the “Hand in Hand for Northern Germany” charity campaign, which was launched by NDR. Under the motto “Life without addiction”, Norddeutscher Rundfunk not only wants to collect donations, but also raise awareness of addictions in society. This initiative runs until December 12, 2025 and attracts partnerships with the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband as well as five northern German state associations, including Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Bremen. According to NDR the declared goal is to provide information about addictions and to reduce the associated stigmatization.

Coverage of the campaign will take place across various NDR channels, including radio, television and social media. The audience should be informed about how important addiction support services are and what options there are to provide support. NDR director Hendrik Lünenborg emphasizes the social relevance of the topic, while Joachim Rock, the general manager of the Paritätischen Wohlfahrtsverband, emphasizes the treatability of addictions. He also criticizes the ongoing stigmatization of those affected.

Addiction facts and support

A survey by the #NDRfragt community revealed alarming results: 92% of those surveyed consider addictions to be a significant social problem, and 86% consider this topic to be taboo. Over 24% say they don't know of any specific help offers for addicts. These numbers underline the urgency of the campaign, which not only deals with substance-related addictions, but also with non-substance-related addictions.

The Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband has over 100 projects in the north that support patients in all phases of addiction, from prevention to therapy and aftercare. This comprehensive help is all the more important because over eight million adults in Germany are affected by addiction, which is one of the most common mental illnesses after anxiety disorders and depression. Around three million children suffer from the consequences of their relatives' addictions, which further illustrates the need for such initiatives.

Donations and support

100% of the donations received during the campaign benefit the regional associations of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband. A donation account has already been set up: IBAN: DE90 201 205 200 500 600 700, recipient: Paritätischer Gesamtverband e. V. The account will remain open until January 30, 2026, and the fundraising totals will be announced in February 2026.

In addition to the charity campaign, the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG) uses various social media channels to promote addiction prevention. You can find a lot of useful information on the topics of smoking, alcohol and drugs on BIÖG.

This fundraiser is a valuable opportunity to not only perform good deeds, but also to raise awareness that gives people struggling with addiction the necessary support and acceptance they deserve.