Lebenshilfe Uckermark: 35 years of diversity and community in Templin

Lebenshilfe Uckermark: 35 years of diversity and community in Templin

Lebenshilfe Uckermark e. V. celebrated its 35th anniversary on June 18, 2025. Numerous members, relatives, clients, carers and friends gathered on the site in Templin under the motto “Diversity”. The celebrations were accompanied by music from a music group from “Haus Templin” and the Zumba kids from SV Alemania Templin, which made the event a successful and happy event.

The location at Platanenstrasse 19 is a place where a wide range of care options are available for people with mental disabilities. In addition to assisted individual living, there are also living groups where residents can live in a family environment. During the celebration, Hartmut Hampel, the head of open assistance, emphasized the individualized support that all residents receive.

A home for many

There are currently 24 people living in the inpatient living area in “Haus Templin”. Most residents use the services offered by the Stephanus workshops, which are also based in Templin. A valuable contribution to integration into the world of work is made here. Each resident has access to their own room with a terrace, while the common rooms invite you to get together sociably, be it in the group kitchen or in the spacious garden.

The living groups focus on family-like living together. As Torsten Kipping, who has managed the home since 2018, reveals, four employees are permanent contacts for eight people in need of help, which promotes a trusting relationship. “Everyone is welcome here and can find their place,” he emphasizes.

Joint activities and inclusion

There are also many leisure activities: from cooking clubs to sports and dance events to monthly bike tours and trips. This not only benefits the residents but is also supported by the community. Lebenshilfe Uckermark has set an example for inclusion at various events such as this year's company run in Angermünde with 96 participants - people with and without disabilities moved together, which is a strong symbol of community.

Over 20% of all participants in this event came from Lebenshilfe. A life support festival also took place on May 17th, which was very well received despite the rainy weather. Here, visitors could, among other things, make beaded bracelets or enjoy cotton candy.

The path to accessibility

An important topic for life support is accessibility in everyday life. Many people with intellectual disabilities still have difficulties using local public transport. According to current regulations, which should be implemented by January 1, 2022, accessibility is one of the basic requirements of public transport. But the goal of achieving universal accessibility by 2026 is not yet in sight. Lebenshilfe.de reports that the federal government is working to reduce legal exceptions to ensure mobility for all people.

But despite all the challenges, Lebenshilfe Uckermark is optimistic about the future. We continue to work towards a common vision: an inclusive society in which diversity is not only accepted but valued. The past 35 years are just a beginning.