| Youngsters are often a bit closer to the worries and needs of their peer groups. With counselling by youths for youths the spark of enthusiasm often jumps across much quicker. This was reason enough for the Regensburg Deutscher Kinderschutzbund to set up the project “Spark of Hope”. Every Saturday from 2 – 7 p.m. children and adolescents are counselled free of charge by young people. The youngsters are volunteers and before they start their work on the helpline they receive a 70-hour training by a social educationalist to prepare them extensively for their work. Every two weeks the calls are discussed to address specific topics and if, necessary, to provide help. |
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The aim of the project is to help the kids to help themselves. Young people have less inhibitions telling people from their peer group about their problems and fears. The youth counsellors are specially trained in coping with difficulties. This way they not only help others but, along the way, also occupy themselves with their own worries and difficulties. Help is given in many fields, ranging from boredom, problems with family or friends, lovesickness to abuse or suicidal thoughts. In more complex counselling situations, and where there is a greater need for help, special counselling facilities are activated for the protection of the caller and the youth counsellor. The Auerbach Foundation sponsors the training of youth volunteers. |