Cultural sponsorships: Together against loneliness in the Kulmbach district!

Cultural sponsorships: Together against loneliness in the Kulmbach district!

The cultural sponsors are ringing in the cultural season throughout Upper Franconia! We are currently looking for committed volunteer cultural sponsors to accompany older people to cultural events. Whether theater, cinema, concerts, museums or sporting events – the options are as diverse as the interests of the seniors who want to be freed from lonely afternoons. The initiative aims to counteract loneliness and promote social participation among older people. landkreis-kulmbach.de emphasizes that loneliness can increase the risk of death by 26% - an important reason for this project, which was launched in the Kulmbach district in 2022 became.

The project has now expanded beyond the Kulmbach district and also includes the Hof, Kronach, Wunsiedel districts as well as the cities of Forchheim and Coburg. Heike Söllner, head of the staff office for volunteer management and cultural promotion, sees this as an enrichment for both sides: “Cultural sponsorships bring people together and promote exchange.”

Everything about volunteering

Every year, the volunteer office in the district office has arranged numerous cultural sponsorships. It is particularly important to work with senior citizens' facilities in order to plan activities together. Those interested in becoming part of this valuable project can find out more in various ways. Online information events will take place on October 27th and November 12th, 2025, where everything revolves around cultural sponsorships. Registrations are under www.alterngestalten.de/kulturgaeste-paten-2 possible.

Detailed online training will start for all new cultural sponsors on December 12, 2025. This training consists of five modules and also includes training to become a dementia partner. After successful completion, participants can expect to receive a certificate as well as information about upcoming cultural offerings in spring 2026 in Kulmbach. Support will continue to be available afterwards from the Coordination Center for Civic Engagement.

Combat loneliness in old age

A look at Bavaria, particularly the Munich district, shows how important such initiatives are, where a similar project called “Culture Sponsors & Guests” was launched. Here too, the focus is on combating loneliness and isolation in old age. Volunteers accompany older people to cultural events, and collaboration with specialist agencies provides additional support. The Süddeutsche emphasizes that in this case too, information events are planned to attract interested parties and to provide them with a certain amount of know-how give.

Seniors in the Kulmbach district who have difficulty being mobile or who are reluctant to go out alone are welcome to contact the volunteer office. Appropriate cultural accompaniment is organized individually, tailored to the cultural preferences of the seniors. Even caring relatives can establish contact. More details about this great project are on www.engagiert-in-kulmbach.de/kulturpaten to find.