More and more people in Germany feel lonely. This is a societal risk factor that the Federal Government has also recognized. Anyone who believes that loneliness mainly affects older people is mistaken. Especially those under 30 are affected – as an analysis by the Federal Institute for Population Research shows. The study makes it clear: leisure activities and direct social encounters help to counteract loneliness.
As a meeting place, educational and advisory institution, the Multigenerational House (MGH) of the Internationaler Bund (IB) in Panketal, Brandenburg, addresses exactly this issue. The aim is to promote interaction between generations and mutual support among neighbors.
A place for encounters, against loneliness in all its facets
The MGH is open to all age groups. Children, families, young adults and older people find opportunities here for exchange and shared activities – such as parent-child yoga, line dance or open leisure formats.
The weekly coffee gathering is particularly well attended. After enjoying coffee and cake together, participants play board games in the group.
For many people, our Multigenerational House is the only social point of contact. We are located in the commuter belt of Berlin, where there are many single-family houses; when a partner dies, many people lose social contact.
Patrizia Scupin, Head of the MGH Panketal
To support those affected during this difficult time, the house invites people to a grief café – a protected setting for conversations, shared laughter and companionship in mourning.
“We create in the Multigenerational House a place for encounters and exchange in order to address loneliness in all its facets.” Anyone who feels lonely is not necessarily alone. With the “Regulars’ Table for Caring Relatives,” the house offers a fixed meeting point every two weeks. Over a small breakfast provided by the MGH, caring relatives find time to recharge. “Many enjoy this break for chatting together and the feeling of not being alone with their situation,” says Patrizia Scupin.
“Loneliness affects people in very different life situations – whether young or old. For the IB, it is therefore important to create spaces for encounters through low-threshold services such as multigenerational houses,” says Thiemo Fojkar, Chairman of the Board of the Internationaler Bund.
A program published monthly provides information about the activities offered by the house.