Loneliness in Neumünster: Community against the silent danger!

Loneliness in Neumünster: Community against the silent danger!

On June 15, 2025, the Holstenköste in Neumünster came to a successful end. With bright sunshine and pleasant temperatures, around 240,000 people attend the festival. The band Quiet Girl from Lübeck provided entertainment on the Young Stage, among others. The police reported that it was peaceful with few arguments and riots, which the organizers noted with joy.

While the festival was in full swing, there was a remarkable incident in front of the Neumünster town hall. Wild bees and sand wasps have created nests in the pavement joints on site, which consist of vertical tubes. The Lower Nature Conservation Authority informs the public about these nesting sites and recommends not disturbing foot traffic and occasional sweeping. This shows how important it is to bring nature and people into harmony.

Loneliness in Germany: An explosive topic

Despite the hustle and bustle of the Holstenköste, loneliness remains a serious issue that affects many people. According to current studies, almost 40 percent of Germans feel lonely at times, which can have serious health consequences - comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Young adults, older people, single parents and people with insecure living conditions are particularly affected.

In an impressive show of solidarity, around 100 people recently gathered in Lübeck city center under the motto “From loneliness to connection”. The participants called for a strengthening of psychotherapeutic care as well as comprehensive prevention and social education. Such movements are important to combat the silent epidemic of loneliness, which is also highlighted in theory and practice by the Loneliness Competence Network (KNE). The publication series “Loneliness – Insights into Theory and Practice” aims to make scientific findings and practical information openly accessible.

The risk groups in loneliness

A comprehensive analysis of loneliness in Germany, based on the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), shows a particularly affected group: people with low incomes. The 2021 survey shows that younger adults, females and people living alone are particularly sensitive to loneliness. Special loneliness maps attempt to provide an overview of regional differences and needs.

The results show that a high percentage of respondents who are considered lonely score an average score of 3 or higher on the UCLA Loneliness Scale. This insight is further anchored through the KNE's ongoing research and awareness-raising on the issue of loneliness.

There are numerous topics on the agenda in Neumünster in the coming days. Among other things, the “housing construction turbo” is being discussed, while BUND SH is campaigning for climate-neutral agriculture with less fertilizer and more natural areas. A protest against the AfD state party conference in Henstedt-Ulzburg will also be one of the hotly discussed topics. The diversity of the event promises exciting insights into local concerns and challenges.

The Holstenköste and the issues of loneliness show that social interaction is of central importance. Whether at a party or in everyday life – paying attention to one another can make a decisive contribution to reducing loneliness and creating connecting structures.

For further information about loneliness in Germany, it is worth taking a look at the KNE publications or the SOEP reports, which offer exciting insights and helpful information.