Kitzingen District Office celebrates heroines of self-help groups!

Kitzingen District Office celebrates heroines of self-help groups!

A nice occasion in the run-up to the holidays: The Kitzingen District Office invited people to a pre-Christmas celebration to honor the leaders of 28 self-help groups and numerous helper groups in the district. In her speech, District Administrator Tamara Bischof emphasized the immense importance of the voluntary commitment that these women and men demonstrate. It is precisely such initiatives that turn out to be the main pillars of civic engagement and represent an important support in society. This important event was accompanied by music from “Jolly Alehouse” and the volunteers were surprised with small gifts in the form of organic herbal tea.

In addition to the 28 self-help groups, there are also 19 helper groups in the Kitzingen district. This includes 13 neighborhood help groups and six groups that are involved in hospice work and visitor services. Such groups are remarkable examples of community and mutual support in which people with similar health, psychosocial or social problems come together. The work of these groups is not only valued, but also actively supported by the district office. The authority promotes community among volunteers through exchange and networking meetings.

Self-help as an important part of society

Of course, involvement in such groups is not only important locally. Community self-help is a central component of civic engagement in Germany. As the National Contact and Information Center for the Stimulation and Support of Self-Help Groups (NAKOS) describes, self-help arises from common problems or similar life situations. The members act as “experts on their own behalf” and help each other. The motto is simply: “For yourself and for others”. Self-help groups offer a wide range of support services and create new social networks that exist alongside family and traditional support structures.

The forms of involvement are diverse and include, among other things, advice, visiting services, transport or care offers and the organization of information events. This willingness to take responsibility and act in solidarity shows the great strength of the civil community.

Important organizations in the background

The importance of self-help in Germany is also underlined by a large number of leading organizations. These include, among others, the Federal Working Group SELBSTHILFE and the PARITÄTIC general association, which are active in representing interests, awarding funding and promoting social recognition of self-help. The BAG SELBSTHILFE represents over a million people with various disabilities and chronic illnesses, while the PARITÄTIC general association, together with other organizations, strongly promotes self-help in Germany.

It is these anchored structures that support self-help commitment and at the same time ensure that the voice of those affected is heard. In a country where there is so much focus on helping people to help themselves, committed individuals and groups can make a significant difference in the lives of many people.

Overall, the celebration in the Kitzingen district office shows how valuable voluntary commitment is and how warmly the work of self-help groups is rewarded. A big thank you to everyone who gets involved in helping their fellow human beings - because they make society a little better!