Loneliness.
It can affect anyone – big and small, young and old.
It can be challenging – physically and mentally.
It can be burdensome – for those affected and their surroundings.
There are ways out. Our project for children and young people aged 10 to 17 addresses this issue.
Growing together. Working together.
A joint initiative by the Liz Mohn Foundation and the Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel.
Because no one should be lonely.
Loneliness. An invisible problem.
Loneliness has long been regarded solely as a problem of old age. This changed at the latest with the COVID-19 pandemic: Loneliness is a widespread phenomenon that affects people of all ages. It is a fundamental experience that everyone goes through at some point in their lives. Children and young people are particularly burdened, as loneliness is still associated with great shame, making it difficult to seek and demand help.
Therefore, sustainable measures are needed to promote social and emotional skills as well as social participation, especially for children and adolescents. These measures are particularly suitable for reducing loneliness and promoting subjective well-being as protective factors.
Loneliness. A way out.
We offer children and young people who feel lonely an opportunity to make new connections and become part of a community again.
A supportive network for a happy future.
Arriving.
Taking the first step.
Our project offers children and young people a safe place where they are welcomed and supported by a strong community. In a protected environment, they have the opportunity to exchange ideas, feel understood, and develop new perspectives.
Anchoring.
Finding strength.
Through individual and group training sessions as well as joint activities, self-confidence is strengthened and joy in togetherness is promoted. Children and young people can develop and grow together. Together, they learn to recognize and further develop their own strengths.
Creating.
Participating and experiencing the "WE".
Over six months, children and young people will be accompanied by regular workshops, creative and sports activities, exciting excursions, and targeted support from psychologists and educators. Personal mentors will be available as individual contacts to help pave the way to a positive future.
For further information about the program start, participation as a beneficiary, or involvement as a volunteer, please find details here:
www.wachsen-und-wirken.de
The team
From left to right: Sandra Machnicka (EvKB), Dr. Theresa Hornischer (Liz Mohn Foundation), Dr. Steffi Koch-Stöcker (EvKB), Katharina Muregancuro (EvKB), Johanna Luz (EvKB) – (missing: Lisanne Will (EvKB))
The Evangelische Klinikum Bethel (EvKB) – University Hospital OWL of Bielefeld University (UK OWL) – is one of the most important healthcare facilities in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is operated by the v. Bodelschwinghschen Stiftungen Bethel. More than 5,700 employees care for around 180,000 patients annually in the 30 interdisciplinary centers, clinics, and institutes. The treatment of children and adolescents with physical and mental illnesses is one of the main treatment focuses of this maximum care provider.
