Savings plans in Gütersloh: Threatening youth centers?

Savings plans in Gütersloh: Threatening youth centers?

The city of Gütersloh faces profound cuts in the field of youth work, which are planned due to a comprehensive savings program. As early as January 16, a council group meeting will advise the proposals that could have significant consequences for the local youth centers. These measures could lead to the closure of up to four institutions, which would result in a targeted reduction in personnel costs by two full -time positions. This is reported by the nw.de .

The city administration emphasizes that it has not committed itself to certain savings. The cuts should take place in cooperation with the providers of the facilities. The planned reduction in personnel costs and a five percent saving for material and overhead costs could result in a total of 317,000 euros. These cuts should be effective from 2026 and would significantly reduce the structures of open child and youth work.

consequences for the youngsters

In 2023, the youth clubs in Gütersloh counted a total of 902 regular visitors and around 900 irregular visitors who rely on the offers. The closures could not only lead to personnel transfer or arrest, but also have an impact on where the young people spend their free time. It remains unclear whether you are visiting other facilities or switching to playgrounds and schoolyards if your usual meeting point falls away.

The situation is particularly precarious, since the existing facilities of the free carriers have employees, the availability of which fluctuates between 0.5 and two full -time equivalents. The city also suspects that the churches that operate the four of the eight institutions are not interested in a possible merging. Many facilities are also bound to certain buildings or quarters, which makes merging more difficult.

variety of offers in the district of Gütersloh

Child and youth work in Gütersloh offers a wide range of leisure activities. This includes open meetings, courses, projects, holiday holidays as well as advice and support in difficult situations. The district of Gütersloh reports that there are youth houses, associations and initiatives throughout the area that can be used by young people. Among the youth workers of the district of Gütersloh, affected contact persons for advice and support, as well as information on the financial support of activities.

The contact details of the regional positions are as follows:

• regional office north: Werther Str. 1, 33790 Halle - Torsten Grüter - Telephone: 05201 81 45 12
• Regional Office East: Wiedenbrücker Str. 36, 33397 Rietberg - Wencke Meiertoberens - Telephone: 05244 927 45 18
• regional position West: Mühlenwinkel 11, 33428 Harsewinkel - Katharina Gimbel - Telephone: 05247 92 35 63

The administration considers the open child and youth work to be a legally anchored core task that makes important contributions for youth protection and prevention. The upcoming decisions on January 16 will be crucial for the future of young people and the diversity of the offers in the district of Gütersloh.