Neighborhood Help Grows in Saxony-Anhalt - How 4,000 Volunteers in Saxony-Anhalt Are Fighting Loneliness for the Elderly

A volunteer scheme in Saxony-Anhalt is helping elderly and care-dependent people stay connected to their communities. Over 4,000 residents have signed up as neighbourhood helpers, offering practical support and companionship. Many of those in need, however, still hesitate to ask for assistance due to stigma.

The programme has been running for three years, with volunteers like Kerstin Kränzel, 60, providing weekly shopping trips and social interaction for an elderly woman. Kränzel's motivation comes from her past in East Germany, where neighbours relied on each other for support. She is one of many retirees—mostly women—who make up 70% of the helpers.

Training for volunteers is organised through regional service centres, with sessions increasing from 46 in 2024 to 97 this year. The scheme allows helpers to claim up to €131 per month via long-term care insurance, though uptake remains low. Since its launch, demand has grown sharply: the number of people using the service jumped from 299 in 2023 to 1,814 today.

Despite this growth, exact figures on nationwide qualifications or long-term trends in Saxony-Anhalt remain unavailable. Many who qualify for support still avoid applying, often due to embarrassment or reluctance to accept help.

The project will continue until the end of the year, offering training and support to volunteers. With more sessions planned, organisers hope to reach even more elderly and care-dependent individuals. Yet challenges remain in encouraging those eligible to use the available benefits.