Research Project
Type of Project: Funded project Model project
STAERKE – Help line for enquiries from parents and children

Today, parents and children are confronted with complex situations, especially when a family member falls ill or exhibits unhealthy behavioural patterns. There are many services for families, but they are not always known or there are barriers to accessing them. In addition to specific services, families under stress also show a need for advice, but this cannot always be met by self-help organisations or advice centres. The German Pension Insurance would like to be a “companion right from the start”, but does not currently offer any low-threshold counselling services specifically for children and parents.

The project "STAERKE" therefore offers a free, anonymous counselling help line. On the one hand, this includes counselling for parents and children with health problems, as with self-help (open, independent, non-binding) and, on the other hand, the expertise of a large social insurance provider with a focus on benefits for inclusiveness. In this way, family members can also be directed to suitable organisations if necessary (early identification of needs and, if necessary, initiation of prevention or rehabilitation measures).

The project has three innovation:
1. Low-threshold, anonymous counselling service
2. Interlinking with other counselling services
3. Early referral to potential services

In line with the new focus on the employment capacity of those affected and a view of the family as a unit of counselling, the service will be developed in close cooperation with self-help organisations and, if necessary, it will direct callers to a support network (e.g. self-help organisations, advice centres, doctors). Scientific support on specific issues supports the further development of the service.