Lower Saxony against loneliness: 12 new neighborhood projects started!

Lower Saxony against loneliness: 12 new neighborhood projects started!

In Lower Saxony, an exciting approach is being taken to combat widespread loneliness. Under the motto “Together in the Neighborhood”, the state is supporting twelve sustainable projects that are intended to help people make contacts and actively network in their living environment. As the South German newspaper reported, more than 120 institutions have submitted their applications to the Lower Saxony State Working Group on Social Issues. The jury has now chosen the best projects and allocated 150,000 euros from the state budget for them.

The selected initiatives are creative and diverse. They range from a neighborhood community garden on the island of Spiekeroog to a cinema between the houses in Oldenburg to dance and yoga offers for women and girls in Wilhelmshaven. Other interesting projects include the KunstKulturKiste in Duderstadt and day trips for neighbors in Osnabrück. Social Minister Andreas Philippi (SPD) emphasizes that loneliness is a phenomenon that not only affects marginalized groups, but can also affect people in family structures. He emphasizes the need to strengthen neighborhood structures and create opportunities for encounters.

Loneliness as a problem for society as a whole

But it is not only in Lower Saxony that many people are affected by loneliness. According to current surveys by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, millions of people in Germany feel lonely. Loneliness does not stop at age groups and life situations. Older women and younger people in particular are often affected. The Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth has therefore launched the ESF Plus program “Strengthening the participation of older people – against loneliness and social isolation” since October 2022. The aim is to promote regional cooperation structures and create more opportunities for participation through numerous projects by September 2027.

At this point it is important to emphasize that the causes of loneliness are diverse. A study by the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) shows that people with low incomes, young people and no social support are among the most vulnerable groups. According to that German Institute for Economic Research The feeling of loneliness increases, especially among people who live in difficult social and economic circumstances.

Strong together against loneliness

Overall, projects that focus on community spirit and neighborly participation have a high priority. In Lower Saxony and beyond, spaces for encounters are being created that are intended to counteract isolation and loneliness. This doesn’t just look at older people; the focus is also on the needs of younger generations.

The diverse programs, such as the supported multi-generational houses, offer opportunities for encounters and creative offerings that are intended to prevent social isolation. There are offers of help available all over the country, ranging from the grief number to local telephone counseling centers. Because the following always applies: together you can achieve more. And it is precisely this Ged idea that should be strengthened by the measures and projects that have been initiated.