DRK closes office in Stralsund: Impact on social institutions?

DRK closes office in Stralsund: Impact on social institutions?

These are eventful times for the DRK district association Rügen-Stralsund. The Stralsund office will be closed on October 31st, and this decision has both practical and symbolic dimensions. The closure comes after the DRK tracing service, which previously played a central role in the office's operations, was discontinued this year. Ostsee Zeitung reports that the need for a physical office in downtown Stralsund is due to has fallen noticeably due to advancing digitalization and improved accessibility via email and telephone.

The decision was also motivated by the fact that the association's headquarters are on the island of Rügen and the office in Stralsund was retained after a merger in 2013. While the office was supported by many volunteers, the closure will have no negative impact on the DRK's existing facilities in Stralsund. These include, among other things, the daycare center and after-school care center in the Andershof district as well as the social center with an outpatient care service.

What remains for Stralsund?

The closure still brings with it some changes. The mailbox at Hafenstrasse 21, which serves as a contact point, will remain. The local associations in Schwedenschanze, Grünhufe and Franconia will also continue to be available as contact persons. The DRK events and services that contribute to society remain unchanged and continue to provide support in the region.

Particularly noteworthy is the social station in Stralsund, which offers outpatient care services in Western Pomerania-Rügen. This includes home care, support in emergencies and social services and is part of the DRK's wide range of services. Pflege Helfer 24 emphasizes that the combination of professional care and social commitment makes the DRK nursing service a valuable partner for those in need of care and their relatives.

Volunteering as the backbone of the DRK

In the future, the DRK district association will continue to rely on its volunteers who are active in various areas. The volunteer support train at Hafenstrasse 21 offers help with disaster control, including fire protection and technical assistance. These dedicated helpers had already provided support during a fire disaster in Duvendiek in 2019. Their work is a clear sign that the DRK continues to tackle difficult times and has a good hand in ensuring that help gets to where it is most urgently needed.

In summary, the closure of the office in Stralsund will bring changes, but the core of the DRK offering remains active and continues to promise a high standard of care and support for the population in Stralsund and the surrounding area.