The "overcome" project: Helping young people to become independent

Those who suddenly have to stand on their own two feet at the age of 18 often find it difficult - especially without family support. The "overcome" project has been launched in the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg to ensure that young people are not overwhelmed by this situation. It supports teenagers and young adults aged between 14 and 26 on their path to a self-determined life.

First District Councillor Karl-Friedrich Frese is convinced of the sustainable and far-reaching impact of the project. "This is about help that actually gets through and enables young people to take a step towards a promising future." Without the "overcome" project, most of those affected would probably fall through the cracks and would hardly be able to lead a self-determined, independent life. It was therefore no question for the district to support the project within its financial means.

The beneficiaries of "overcome" are so-called "care leavers", i.e. young people who have grown up in a home, residential group or foster family and have to leave. The programme is also aimed at teenagers and young adults who are not currently involved in the help system. The project also provides support when contact with support centres is at risk of breaking off or when young people can only be reached by the support system to a limited extent.

Many of these young people find themselves in challenging life situations characterised by unstable living conditions, a lack of daily structure and psychological stress. These adolescents and young adults often face several challenges at the same time. The consequences are often excessive demands or withdrawal. This is shown by the example of Sabrina (name changed), as reported by case manager Miriam Kanne.

Sabrina, 21, lost her flat after a difficult separation. Without a permanent home and overwhelmed by dealing with the authorities, she felt left alone. She heard about the "overcome" project from an acquaintance. She not only received help with finding a flat there, but also someone who accompanied her to appointments at the job centre and put her in touch with a debt counselling service. The regular talks gave her support and the feeling that she didn't have to cope with everything on her own. Today, Sabrina lives in her own flat again and is planning to start an apprenticeship.

Whether in the counselling office, during a home visit or at the youth club: the support is provided directly to the adolescents and young adults. Reliable counsellors are also on hand to help young people with the integration of migrants, complex problems or experiences of violence, helping them to take control of their own lives. "overcome" offers help throughout the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg; counselling rooms are located in the medium-sized centres of Bad Arolsen, Bad Wildungen, Frankenberg and Korbach. However, counselling sessions can also take place at other locations.

Counselling is voluntary and free of charge for participants. The help provided by overcome is flexible, personalised and tailored to the individual's needs. The aim is to provide holistic support towards an independent lifestyle, but also to connect them to other support systems and integrate them into the training and labour market. "We develop prospects together with the young people," explains project manager Karin Lehmann. "In this way, we help to strengthen their self-confidence and their own initiative so that they can take responsibility for themselves and their lives."

Background
The "overcome" project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and co-financed by the European Union via the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus). It is part of the ESF Plus programme "JUGEND STÄRKEN - Brücken in die Eigenständigkeit". The district of Waldeck-Frankenberg is participating in the project with a grant. The implementing organisation is DELTA Waldeck-Frankenberg GmbH.

Caption: Delighted about the new "overcome" project, which builds bridges to independence for young people: (from left to right) First District Councillor Karl-Friedrich Frese, team member Andreas Mettler, project manager Karin Lehmann, team members Gabriele Bürk, Lea Simolka, Sabine Schütz and Miriam Kanne as well as Volker Heß, Managing Director of DELTA Waldeck-Frankenberg GmbH. (Photo: District of Waldeck-Frankenberg)