Austerity measures in Potsdam: Realing the existence for well -known social projects

Austerity measures in Potsdam: Realing the existence for well -known social projects

austerity measures in Potsdam threaten social projects

The city of Potsdam has submitted suggestions for saving social and health projects. In September, these could be taken over by the Committee on Health, Social Affairs, Living and Inclusion (GSWI), which could mean for well -known Potsdam social projects. Organizations such as the Workers' Welfare, Pro Familia, the Montelino Circus, the Media Workshop and the University of Applied Sciences would have to hire entire projects.

The suggestions would make the self-help, contact and information center (SEKIZ). The SEKIZ has existed for more than 30 years and has become a central point of contact for self -help and volunteering in Potsdam. The applied for 235,000 euros, which are to be used primarily for personnel and rental costs, would be deleted according to the current status.

The SEKIZ coordinates almost 40 self -help groups on topics such as disabilities, chronic diseases, mental stress, addiction and other life situations. It offers the groups premises, further training, information events and opportunities for meetings as well as support in the establishment of new groups or the assumption of costs for accounts. The honorary agency is also part of the association. According to Oliver Geldener, CEO of the association, there is hardly a comparable center in the city in which groups can meet free of charge and that is accessible. A loss of funding would mean that the self -help groups are pushed back into the private sector.

The austerity measures are due to the lack of financial scope for the responsible departments of social affairs and inclusion as well as public health service. A total of 1.3 million euros are available. However, the requested funding exceed the available funds. In the social area, the financial discrepancy is particularly dramatic. It would be required twice as much money to support all projects. Therefore, a selection is inevitable, according to the city administration.

Oliver Geldener from Sekiz is disappointed with the recommendations of the administration. He criticizes that the impending risk of existence was not adequately taken into account. The city administration, on the other hand, explains that the decision -making process takes place in an extended body, which includes members of the GSWI and the factions of the city council.

Potsdam Workers' Welfare (AWO) is also affected by the possible cuts. The network work inclusive, the volunteer agency and the treasure chest of the Potsdam district association are faced with financial cuts. Angela Schweers from the AWO criticizes the evaluation of the projects and questions the competence of the decision -makers.

The funding for the social projects has not yet been finally decided. The Committee on Health, Social Affairs, Living and Inclusion will submit possible changes by mid -September and then vote on the support proposals. In the meantime, Oliver Geldener from Sekiz wants to remain active and contact the committee members in order to sensitize them to the situation.

It remains to be seen which projects are ultimately promoted and which will be affected by the savings.

Source: Maz