Neighbourhood assistance marketplace

In January and February 2025, the city of Bocholt's senior citizens' office organised a total of four events "Marktplatz Nachbarschaftshilfe" in cooperation with four Bocholt neighbourhood centres. As the events were very successful, the "Marktplatz Nachbarschaftshilfe" will now be held regularly.

The events are aimed at senior citizens with a care degree who would like to make good use of their monthly relief allowance of 131 euros, as well as young people and adults who would like to get involved in neighbourhood help.

We would like to give interested senior citizens with a care degree and interested neighbourhood helpers the opportunity to get to know each other at the event without obligation and, if necessary, to conclude an agreement for accompaniment and support in everyday life.

Programme of the event

Christian Tewiele, Head of the Senior Citizens, Volunteering, Care and Pensions Division of the City of Bocholt, will first present the key information and framework conditions for neighbourhood assistance (§ 11 AnFöVO).

Afterwards, senior citizens and neighbourhood helpers will get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere over coffee, cold drinks and cake or sandwiches. If there is a match and a "couple" is found, further meetings can be arranged and the personal framework conditions can be set out together in writing. Of course, (caring) relatives who are looking for support with caring are also welcome.

Senior citizens who would like support or companionship in everyday life can find suitable neighbourhood help on this afternoon. Whether you need help with shopping, playing board games, going for a walk together, a lift to the doctor or a little help around the house - there are many ways to find helping hands.

The expense allowance for neighbourhood help can be financed in full from the care insurance fund's relief amount, so that there are no costs for you. If you did not claim the amount in the previous year, you can even claim the relief amount retroactively.

Anyone who would like to make good use of their time and accompany senior citizens in their everyday lives and provide support when needed should not miss the "Marketplace Neighbourhood Help".

Neighbourhood helpers also receive an expense allowance for their support, which is tax-free up to €131 per month per person supported, whereby a maximum of two people can be supported tax-free.

The amount of the expense allowance per hour can be freely negotiated, but may not exceed the minimum wage. This is a good way to get involved in social work and supplement your pocket money or household budget. It is important to note that the neighbourhood helpers must not be related to the person being cared for up to the second degree by blood or marriage.