Unwavering devotion spanning over a decade: Refugee Association welcomes newcomers in Düsseldorf
In the heart of Düsseldorf, an association named "Refugees Welcome in Düsseldorf" (Fwi-D) is making a significant impact on the lives of refugees, children, young people, and families. The project, funded by the lottery, aims to expand psychosocial support and optimize work for its target demographic.
Fwi-D offers a comprehensive range of services, including individual case support, psychological counseling, group offers for children and adults, art therapy, depression group, relaxation exercises, workshops on training/ career orientation, women's group on women's rights and self-determination, and more. The association employs seven full-time employees and engages around 120 volunteers.
After the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Fwi-D extended its offer to Ukrainian refugees, providing a beacon of hope in uncertain times. The primary staff at Fwi-D are former volunteers who aim to foster exchange between refugees and Dusseldorf residents, creating support networks and friendships that make daily life easier and promote integration, giving people a perspective.
The association offers its services at three locations: an advice center at Heinz Schmoele Street behind the main station, a hotel lobby on Klosterstraße, and a coworking space in the Schadow Arkaden, provided by the Rheinische Post media group. People can use workstations for their work, job applications, or studies at the coworking space.
Daily language cafés, women's cafés, and senior cafés are already offered for exchange and practicing German. To address the issue of loneliness among refugees who no longer live in municipal accommodations, Fwi-D is creating meeting points such as a new men's café starting in July.
The association maintains close cooperation with other associations and organizations, such as the consumer center, to ensure a comprehensive approach to supporting refugees in Düsseldorf. The need for support is still high, but donations for the largely volunteer work have significantly decreased.
Fwi-D's diverse range of offers is published on its website and social media, inviting everyone to get involved and support the cause. The association's aim is to facilitate the integration of refugees from all countries through advice and networking in Düsseldorf.
While specific up-to-date details about Fwi-D’s activities may not be readily available, it is clear that the association is committed to providing psychosocial support, art therapy, and community cafés, among other services, to help refugees integrate into Düsseldorf society. For precise, current information, further direct inquiry to the organization or localized resources would be necessary.
In the spirit of fostering integration, Refugees Welcome in Düsseldorf (Fwi-D) intends to expand their services beyond psychosocial support to include home-and-garden advice, promoting a healthy and productive lifestyle for those seeking a new start. To build stronger connections within the community, Fwi-D plans to organize workshops and activities focused on home-and-garden improvement, offering refugees a sense of familiarity and comfort in their new home.