Alliance for Families in Bocholt e.V.
For family and community
Family is a private matter. At the same time, it is of great importance to our society and, as such, is a matter of general concern. The Bocholt Alliance for Families is committed to fostering a family-friendly environment in which children are welcome. According to its founding declaration, such an environment enhances the quality of life and strengthens social cohesion. The diverse range of voluntary work carried out by the Alliance's members supports families in many ways, without reducing this to any specific definition of the family.
© Bündnis für Familie in Bocholt e.V.
Working together for a family-friendly city
Just over 20 years ago, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs provided the impetus for the establishment of local alliances for families. The name was, and remains, telling: the aim is to tackle this issue collectively, with the involvement of various stakeholders. Since then, initiatives have sprung up in many places across the country to forge such alliances, including here in Bocholt. The Ministry recognised the strong local commitment shown in the years that followed by awarding the '"Outstanding Alliance 2023/2024"' seal in Berlin.
The specific details of their work are determined individually by each local alliance initiative. In Bocholt, this is done by a trio on the executive committee comprising Sabahat Hameed as chair, Annette Hünting-Deckers as vice-chair, and Jennifer Middelkamp. Active alliance partners support them in their individual activities.
Networking is a fundamental prerequisite, and it has proved successful: in Bocholt, businesses and the employers' association are alliance partners, as are the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the District Craftsmen's Association, the City of Bocholt, the Stadtsparkasse and the utility company stadtwerker. Private individuals, as well as many businesspeople and service providers, also support the Alliance for Families.
Balancing family and work
A key aspect of the Alliance movement: the work-life balance - both of which are cornerstones of our society - has become, and continues to be, a growing challenge at many levels in the face of rapid and, in many cases, profound change. Working with local businesses to find ways of reconciling workplace demands with family circumstances is an objective that is being tackled with vigour and success, as Jennifer Middelkamp explains; as press spokesperson for the employers' association, she is ideally placed to do so.
The issue is complex. The organisation of shift work, flexible working hours or field service assignments is essential for family life. Or, for that matter: how can single parents reconcile their work commitments with family life? What if family members need care? Such issues are addressed on a company-by-company basis, but within the framework of the recently established "Work-Life Balance Network", there is also an exchange of ideas and the generation of new initiatives
between companies. Every two years, the Alliance for Family awards the "Bocholt Award for Family-Friendliness" (BAFF), recognising companies on the basis of various criteria - including, for example, the establishment of a nursery close to the workplace. Family-friendliness is an important factor in attracting skilled workers, says Jennifer Middelkamp. If this approach is widely adopted, it will also contribute to Bocholt's image as a great place to live.
© Bündnis für Familie in Bocholt e.V.
Activities for children
Pupils in Years 3 to 6 can get an early taste of the world of work as part of the Alliance's "Abenteuer Unternehmen" programme. In a fun and playful way, they discover, for example, how a mobile phone is made at Gigaset or what goes on behind the scenes to ensure they can splash about at the Bahia swimming pool.
More than 200 so-called 'safety havens' in Bocholt town centre and its neighbourhoods help ensure children's safety; these were established on the initiative of the Alliance for Families in cooperation with the Hänsel+Gretel Foundation and the council's Department for Youth, Family, Schools and Sport. In shops and establishments displaying the 'Emergency Island' sign or logo, children can find help if they've missed the bus, lost something or hurt themselves. Whilst some issues can perhaps be resolved by mobile phone, the Emergency Islands also serve as safe havens if children feel bullied or harassed. The 'Notinsel' providers receive training, and the 'Notinsel' locations are marked on school route maps. Nurseries and primary schools incorporate them into their school route reconnaissance activities with the children.
Small wishes, big impact
The emphasis on human connection and cooperation also applies to the 'Wunschstern' campaign. In partnership with the municipal senior citizens' office, the 'Leben im Alter' (LiA) association, the Bocholt Food Bank and local community centres, private individuals and companies fulfil the wishes of vulnerable senior citizens aged 60 and over. Apprentices from the companies deliver the requested items. Ageing is also a family matter - in many respects. Annette Hünting-Deckers, who volunteers for the campaign alongside her role as the city of Bocholt's demography officer, can recount situations and wishes that really tug at the heartstrings. One woman once wished for a trip to the hairdresser's, whilst others wanted a warm pair of pyjamas or a Christmas stollen.
The Bocholt Alliance for Families has a stall at certain events, including on World Children's Day on 18 September from 3 pm to 6 pm at Kapu. On these occasions, Sabahat Hameed, Annette Hünting-Deckers and Jennifer Middelkamp promote the cause whilst also seeking supporters. They do a great deal of voluntary work, alongside their jobs and family life. -jf