Sonja Middendorf: A farewell full of memories and the course

Sonja Middendorf: A farewell full of memories and the course

On April 25, 2025, Sonja Middendorf says goodbye to the advice center on Lessingstrasse after 37 years of committed work in addiction advice. Her last official appearance took place at a brunch with colleagues and volunteers who initiated the farewell rituals. During this emotional meeting, Middendorf carried out a symbolic round through the house, a "lottery ritual" that marked the farewell to her many years of activity. Colleague Dieter Löbel presented her a saying by Martin Luther: "Put on, make it up, open it up, stop" what made the gathered present smile.

Middendorf draws a positive balance when looking back. "I feel rich gifts," she said, emphasizing how important the encounters with clients were. Greetings from former clients gathered at their farewell table, which was built in the group room of the advice center. The contact with people at eye level was always their main principle, an approach that significantly shaped addiction advice in Lüdenscheid.

versatile challenges in addiction advice

The advice center, which is part of the diaconal work, has changed significantly over the years. First of all, the focus was on alcohol addiction, but in recent years alone the problem of play and medication dependence and eating disorders also increased. These developments are reflected in the number of clients. In 2022, the number of those seeking help dropped to 122 people, a decline that was primarily pandemeine. While 180 clients were still counted in 2021, demand has increased again in 2023, which indicates a normalization of the situation.

The increase in inquiries in the field of pathological gambling was particularly striking. In 2022, this aspect was a problem for 20 men and women, while alcohol problems were still the biggest challenge for the clients, with 31 men and 22 women.

an integrative team and support from volunteers

In the advice center on Lessingstrasse, which has been located at this location since November 2021, a well -coordinated team has established itself. It consists of Sonja Middendorf, Andrea Bäcker, Monika Triffo as well as Esther Okwunne and Marie-Rose Kuckhoff. The work is supported by twelve volunteers and other employees with allowance. In April 2022, an administrative strength was also stopped to improve the work processes.

The "Café Sprüfbrett", an alcohol -free leisure offer, had restricted operation from January to May 2022, but then achieved a complete line -up. Overall, the support association has a decisive part in the fact that fee, further training, purchases and therapeutic individual measures can be secured for clients, which increases the quality of the consultations.

The backing that Middendorf gave the client also transfers it in retirement. Plans for the time after their active career include trips to Thailand, which represent a special enrichment for them.

The addiction advice center remains a central point of contact for dependent and its relatives in the Sauerland. According to current reports, however, awareness of the offers is still low, which is evidenced by the falling numbers in recent years. All the more important are committed people such as Middendorf and their team, who work tirelessly to provide help and support at eye level.