A look outside reveals: walking is the new favorite activity for many people. It does you good and is allowed even during exit restrictions. Social worker Julia Gleu was inspired by this and developed a special format so that the group feeling of the participants in Forum Obdach Wien remains intact even in times of contact restrictions.
Julia Gleu had already become creative in the summer to keep the participants of Forum Obach Vienna together. But the exceptional situation continues. This is particularly difficult for the formerly homeless and homeless people who usually meet regularly as a group at Forum Obdach Wien, exchange ideas and do something together. Since the beginning of November this has again been impossible, which is very much lacking for everyone. The Christmas party, which is very important for many, was also canceled this year.
“The winter months with Christmas, the turn of the year and the cloudy days are a stressful time, because most of the formerly homeless and homeless people at Forum Obdach Wien have few social contacts and do not want to be alone during this time. Our group activities usually help a lot. Meeting points such as coffee houses or parks are no longer necessary, as is our common activities. That’s how the idea of special walks came up, ”explains the social worker.
Window messages
Together with one of the participants, Julia covered the windows of the ground-level group room of Forum Obdach Wien with pictures of past festivals and encouraging messages. In this way, a unique, illustrated retrospect was created, which skilfully stages moments of happiness that we experienced together and at the same time increases anticipation for future activities. The review can be enjoyed “to go” – with a walk to the group room. Many participants have already accepted the new offer and thus counteracted loneliness in compliance with all Covid 19 prevention measures.
A great pleasure for Julia Gleu, who can bridge the time without group meetings. Nevertheless: In the new year everyone at Forum Obdach Wien is hoping for an end to the corona pandemic and thus again for shaking hands, cooking and celebrating together. And if it should take a while until then, more creative ideas will surely be born to beautify the formerly homeless and homeless people until then.
About Forum Obdach Wien
At Forum Obdach Wien there is space for the concerns and ideas of people who were previously homeless and homeless. Usually there are weekly meetings where the participants exchange ideas and plan and implement activities such as excursions, music making, cooking and much more together. Social workers accompany these initiatives and offer support in their implementation.
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