Heat helpers in Brandenburg: Protect seniors under high pressure!

Heat helpers in Brandenburg: Protect seniors under high pressure!

Brandenburg an der Havel has faced an urgent need in these hot days of the year: protecting older people from the extreme heat. How maz online Reportedly, hundreds of people are hospitalized every year for heat-related illnesses, and some do not survive. This makes the “Heat helpers in the residential area” project, which was launched by the “Bär meets Adler” association in 2024, all the more important. Health Minister Britta Müller also announced high investments in heat protection, especially for vulnerable groups.

The project's goal is not only to protect seniors, but also to raise awareness among the general population about the dangers of extreme temperatures. The focus is on the Nord and Hohenstücken districts, where the need is particularly great. In the Nord district, which is the oldest with an average age of almost 54 years, and in Hohenstücken, where social challenges such as language barriers exist, there are many people living alone who urgently need support.

Training of heat helpers

Around 20 so-called heat helpers were trained to actively provide help in their environment. These helpers can act as first aiders and pass on preventative knowledge. Materials such as recipe ideas and drinking protocols were distributed to seniors to educate them. As project manager Annett Ochla reports, there is an increased awareness of the issue of heat among the population.

Another highlight of the project is the nomination for the renowned federal “Blue Compass” award. This prize, which is awarded for outstanding examples of climate adaptation, is endowed with 25,000 euros and is intended to promote commitment to sustainable heat action plans. Online voting ran until June 18 to select the audience's favorite project - a sign of the community's broad support for the project. This year there was a record participation with over 300 applications” stadt-brandenburg.de reported.

The urgency of heat protection

The need for these measures is supported by alarming statistics: According to the Federal Environment Agency The number of heat waves in Germany is constantly increasing, which drastically increases health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. No fewer than eight of the ten warmest summers since 1881 have been recorded in the last 30 years. This dramatic development is forcing the federal government to take action to reduce heat-related deaths and hospitalizations.

There is already progress: The Climate Adaptation Act, which has been in force since July 2024, strengthens heat protection and calls for municipal climate adaptation concepts. Brandenburg an der Havel seems to be well on the way to not only continuing the heat helper project, but also further expanding measures for climate adaptation and awareness. Completion of the project is scheduled for August 31, 2025, with the city's firm interest in continuing the project and also targeting children in the future.

A strong community of solidarity and the active intervention of trained helpers are the key to effectively mitigating the negative effects of the heat on the city's older citizens. In this sense, it is clear in Brandenburg an der Havel: There is something going on - and action is being taken!