Together against loneliness: Diakoniewerk strengthens Oschatz's community!

Together against loneliness: Diakoniewerk strengthens Oschatz's community!

Loneliness is an issue that affects many people - whether young or old, whether they struggle with health problems or live alone. The Evangelical Diakoniewerk Oschatz-Torgau takes on this challenge and offers support exactly where it is needed. As the LVZ reports, the Diakoniewerk works wisely to help people in social need and to promote community.

The Diakoniewerk, which was founded in 1998, can count on a strong team of over 130 employees and numerous volunteer helpers. They are involved in a wide range of areas such as care for the elderly, youth welfare, assistance for the disabled and assistance for addicts. The growing number of people seeking help in the region is alarming; The pandemic has further exacerbated the problem of loneliness. Around a third of Germans say they sometimes feel lonely, and a fifth even struggle with a strong feeling of loneliness, as was also summarized in an initiative by the last federal government in 2023.

Living community: promotions and offers

A special Diakoniewerk campaign is “A Light in Advent”, which creates spaces for community and confidence. In addition to regular creative meetings and coffee dates that take place in the new room for self-help groups and meetings, a new project to beautify the Diakoniewerk is also being tackled. Managing director Janet Liebich emphasizes that fresh colors and inviting spaces are a necessity to create welcoming conditions. The offer is no more dependent on funding and donations than the numerous other measures to combat loneliness.

Diakonie is based on the diaconal model and the Christian view of humanity and promotes appreciation and participation. People who have experienced emotional or psychological difficulties can find contact points here, as can young mothers or people who need support in the care sector. Offers such as women's breakfasts and community walks build bridges and invite people to join in.

Loneliness: A social problem

The social pressure for social isolation shows its serious faces here. Loneliness has similar health effects to smoking or obesity, and the risk of developing depression or cardiovascular disease increases dramatically with loneliness. Studies show that people living alone and people with low incomes are particularly badly affected. The Diakonie Hesse highlights that civic engagement plays a key role in reducing loneliness and promoting social integration.

For many who feel lost, the offerings at Diakoniewerk Oschatz-Torgau could be the first step back into a community. It is to be hoped that other regions will follow this positive example and launch similar initiatives to combat loneliness and isolation. Ultimately, it is important to offer people who are in the shadows a place in the bright light of society again.