Neighborhood help

New platform: These 20 helpers are there for others

Richard Schweiger and Richard Schmied provide support with various challenges.

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek/EVELYN HRONEK)

The "Wolfsberg Miteinander" platform offers neighborhood help on many levels. The meeting point is at the Kost-Nix store, currently always on the first Wednesday of the month.

Many people become lonely and need help with everyday activities. This is why the "Wolfsberg Miteinander" platform was founded with 20 volunteers. "This is help from person to person," says Deputy Mayor Michaela Lientscher. She launched the campaign with local councillor Waltraud Beranek. The offer is wide-ranging: technical assistance, social counseling, assistance with visits to the authorities, shopping or a walk. Lientscher: "Having an open ear for people who are often alone."

Help against age discrimination
One helper is Richard Schweiger (68). "I worked in the community for a long time. Unfortunately, age discrimination by the authorities is on the rise." PC skills, e-mail and a smartphone are required. Schweiger: "People often need help when dealing with the authorities because they are overwhelmed."

Richard Schmied, who worked for the Federal Railways for decades, also helps: "I provide support in dealing with ticket machines and selling tickets online." Beranek emphasizes: "The volunteers bring valuable experience from many areas and thus provide support."

Waltraud Teller coordinates everything and can be contacted on weekdays (9 a.m. to 12 noon) on 0660/1098430. There is a meeting on the first Wednesday of every month at the Kost-Nix-Laden on Hoher Platz. There will be a special advice day on January 31 (10 am to 12 noon). Lientscher: "There's no shame in seeking help."