Source: Lebensfarben e. V.

In Germany, around 3.8 million children grow up with a mentally ill and/or addicted parent. Behind this figure are often extremely stressful family constellations: The mood at home fluctuates, routines break down and the familiar security begins to falter. Some children withdraw, others suddenly take on responsibilities that should actually be borne by adults. In this difficult situation, a permanent caregiver outside the family can make a decisive difference: People who give time, listen and open up new perspectives.

The sponsorship program of the association Lebensfarben - Hilfen für Kinder und Jugendliche from Wiehl (NRW) offers all of this. The organization has been looking after families in mental health crises since 2017. The five-strong team has many years of experience in psychiatry and is supported by over 100 volunteers. As part of the district-wide network, it works closely with health, youth and integration services as well as social psychiatry, advice centers, schools and other stakeholders. All sponsorships are professionally supported: From the initial consultation to the selection of suitable candidates and ongoing support, both families and volunteers receive professional guidance to build sustainable relationships.

The mentors spend time with the children, go on excursions or help them with everyday tasks. They are continuously there for their protégés - often for years. The parents are also relieved: through advice and support as well as referral to regional support services. "With a lot of heart, empathy and strong network partners, the association helps to strengthen the adolescents in their development," says SAGST project manager Jana Weische, describing her impressions. At the start of the project in spring 2024, 62 children and young people were already benefiting from such sponsorships, with a further 80 families waiting for help. As the youth welfare offices have so far only covered part of the costs, the association is reliant on additional funding. Thanks to the funding from SAGST, it can provide a reliable anchor for more young people in challenging situations with 17 newly trained volunteers.