For everyone and anonymously

Association offers “silent accompaniment” to public offices

The association AÖF - Autonome Österreichische Frauenhäuser (Autonomous Austrian Women's Shelters) offers support when dealing with the authorities or visiting the doctor (symbolic image).

(Bild: KRONEN ZEITUNG)

In the "Mitgehn" project, volunteers provide support when dealing with the authorities or visiting the doctor. The so-called "silent accompaniment" is offered throughout Austria and can be used anonymously and free of charge by anyone.

"Mitgehn" is backed by the association AÖF - Autonomous Austrian Women's Shelters and the Poverty Conference. "The project combats barriers and shaming. We offer silent accompaniment to appointments, for example to doctors, authorities or the labor market service," says a press release from the Viennese social institution Bakhti, the youth facility of the AÖF. Volunteers also accompany people on trips and digital official channels such as finanzOnline.

The idea arose from a study by the Poverty Conference on gaps and barriers in the healthcare system (2015). This showed that people on low incomes often feel alone, isolated and ashamed. Some of those affected said that they would like support when dealing with the authorities. "It's not about advice or representation, but about accompanying them in silence for the most part. The situation changes for those affected by poverty when there are three people in the room instead of two," says the information material on the project, which was launched by AÖF last year.

These institutions are taking part
In Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Styria, "Mitgehn" has been running since 2021 and is offered by Caritas Carinthia, Frauen für Frauen (Lower Austria), Evangelisches Diakoniewerk Gallneukirchen (Upper Austria), Caritas Association of the Archdiocese of Salzburg, Verein Freiraum (Leibnitz), Caritas of the Diocese of Feldkirch, the Association of Autonomous Austrian Women's Shelters and Diakonie Flüchtlingsdienst (both in Vienna).

This is what the support looks like
The aim is to help people better meet their needs and attend appointments with less anxiety, stress and psychosocial pressure. "There are also situations where our volunteers do not remain silent, for example when there are clear violations of the law, a person from the authorities crosses boundaries or the volunteer is seen as the addressee and is only spoken to," said a Bakhti employee.

There are also situations where our volunteers do not remain silent, for example when there are very clear violations of the law.

Bakhti, Jugendprojekt des Vereins AÖF

Anyone wishing to make use of free anonymous support must contact Bakhti at least two working days before the appointment. This can be by phone call, text message, WhatsApp or email. Volunteers will then be given the meeting point and time for the appointment.

The volunteer companions have completed a training course. They do not provide translation, legal or social work support, but they do provide impartial support. Their tasks include providing encouragement and support, as well as radiating calm and ensuring a pleasant atmosphere.