KORALE community rail second stop: VIENNA
The second study visit in Vienna combined strategic discussions, practical examples, and cultural immersion, reinforcing the importance of collective action to foster community well-being across Europe.
Day 1: The International Forum Against Loneliness
The first day was marked by the “International Forum Against Loneliness – Strategies and Solutions for the Health of Young People”, held in the festive Wappensaal of Vienna’s City Hall. Organized by Social City Vienna in collaboration with the Office for Women’s Health and Health Targets (MA 24).The event highlighted loneliness as a critical public health issue, particularly for children, adolescents, and young adults, and provided a platform for knowledge exchange and international collaboration:
Local Initiatives:
- Hobby Lobby – Kein Bock auf Couch: This project empowers socially disadvantaged youth (10-16 years) by offering free extracurricular courses in sports, arts, and creative activities. Aimed at fostering confidence and inclusion, it provides opportunities for young people to explore their talents and connect with peers.
- WienZimmer by FSW: This initiative focuses on creating participatory spaces within Vienna’s neighborhoods, where residents engage in community activities, strengthen social bonds, and tackle issues like isolation together.
- YEP – Youth Empowerment Participation: YEP creates opportunities for young people to have a voice in politics, education, and society, with a strong focus on mental health, democratic participation, and co-creation of initiatives.
- ROOMING INN – Living Lab: This innovative project uses open co-creation to tackle social and housing challenges, involving residents and stakeholders in building sustainable, inclusive communities.
International Initiatives:
- HUSRUM (Denmark): A volunteer-led initiative supporting young people (16-30 years) experiencing loneliness through structured activities, group discussions, and mentorship programs (“Heartmates”), fostering personal growth and social integration.
- Overkophius (Belgium): A safe, welcoming space for young people (12-25 years) to connect, share, and receive support for life’s challenges, promoting mental health and belonging.
- A Avó veio Trabalhar (Portugal): A creative, intergenerational center in Lisbon where older adults express their talents through handmade crafts, cultural workshops, and community participation.
- Cycling Without Age – Pelo Direito ao Vento nos Cabelos (Portugal): This initiative offers free rickshaw rides to older or mobility-impaired individuals, enabling outdoor experiences while fostering intergenerational connections.
- HARIAK (Basque Country, Spain): A comprehensive strategy to reduce loneliness and build supportive communities by promoting public dialogue, innovative policies, and shared networks of care.
A Marketplace of Ideas and Collaboration
The forum also hosted a networking marketplace, where professionals and organizations from across Austria showcased their work in combating loneliness and isolation. Projects like Hobby Lobby and Walk & Talk provided tangible examples of how innovative approaches are driving meaningful change.
Inspiring Discussions and Keynotes:
- Mag.a Kristina Hametner Office for Women’s Health and Health Targets, MA 24
- Catharina Göksun bOJA – Federal Network for Open Youth Work
- Mag.a Elfriede Hufnagl Vienna Health Promotion, WIG
- Dr.in Doris Koubek Head of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Vienna
- Ao. Univ.-Prof.in Dr.in Karin Gutiérrez-Lobos Psychiatry Expert & Initiator of the Platform Against Loneliness
- Katrin Weber, MSc. Project Manager Platform Against Loneliness
Celebrating Impact: The Austrian Community Prize 2024
The day concluded with the prestigious Austrian Community Prize 2024, recognizing outstanding efforts in combating loneliness. With a focus on creativity, sustainability, and social impact, the award honored Community Nursing Dornbirn for its exceptional and innovative approach to promoting community health and reducing social isolation.
Day 2: Local Insights and Study Visit
The second day built on the momentum of the forum, offering participants an opportunity to witness innovative local solutions firsthand.
Key Activities Included:
- Consortium Meeting: Project partners from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, and the Basque Country discussed regioanl strategies, challenges, and progress in addressing loneliness.
- Study Visit to WienZimmer: Participants explored the Plaudertischerl initiative, a practical example of fostering connection through simple, neighborly interactions.
- The day also featured cultural highlights, including a guided tour of the Karl-Seitz-Hof, a pioneering example of Viennese municipal housing, and visits to the Wien Museum and Vienna City Library. These experiences offered a deeper understanding of Vienna’s rich history of social innovation and urban development.
