Funds shortage hinders grief support for children in Bielefeld
In the heart of Bielefeld, Germany, lies Laika - Comfort on Four Paws, a non-profit association dedicated to providing emotional support through trained therapy dogs. Since its establishment ten years ago, the association has been offering comfort and companionship to individuals in healthcare and social institutions, nursing homes, schools, and care facilities.
Their services extend beyond simple visits. Therapy dogs offer emotional support and comfort to patients, the elderly, and individuals with special needs. They also participate in educational programs, interacting with children and adults for therapeutic and developmental purposes.
One of the association's most valued members is Elo, a three-year-old therapy dog who has been providing closeness and comfort since she was just five months old. Known for her empathetic nature, Elo can sense when someone is sad and offers comfort accordingly.
Another important member is Enya, a dog who excels at playing with children, practicing small tricks, fetching the ball, and playing hide and seek. However, it seems that Enya and a brown and striped cat at the association do not get along very well.
Laika's latest project, "From Heavenly Mail to Culinary Delights," aims to provide a low-threshold offer and a protected space for individuals to deal with grief. The project focuses on closeness to nature and the surroundings where the association is located.
However, like many similar organisations, Laika faces ongoing needs to secure financial resources to maintain and expand their services. They rely on donations, membership fees, fundraising events, and possibly grants. Currently, they need to raise around 12,000 euros per year, a significant challenge they have been facing due to a decline in donations.
To address this issue, the association is always looking for more volunteers to compensate for the discontinued position last year. They also emphasise the need for permanently employed specialists to ensure the continuity of their services.
In celebration of their 10th anniversary on September 6, Laika will host an event featuring the children's rock band Randale, interactive activities, and coffee and cake. Admission is against a small donation.
For precise and up-to-date information, you may consider contacting Laika - Comfort on Four Paws directly or visiting local community resource pages in Bielefeld. Appointments with the association may have waiting times of up to three or four weeks due to funding constraints. Currently, there are about five volunteers who mainly support the care in the children's groups.
Monique Kluß, a pedagogical specialist at Laika and a systemic children and youth grief companion, funded by a donation from the German TV lottery, plays a crucial role in the association's work. Susanne Tatje, a long-standing supporter and ambassador of the association, expresses her support for the association and its project.
The association's new project, the "Comfort Garden," spans 90 square meters on the farm where families plant fruit and vegetables. This project is part of the association's commitment to enhancing the well-being and quality of life of the individuals they serve.
Laika cannot exist solely through volunteer helpers and also needs permanently employed specialists. For those interested in volunteering or supporting the association financially, more information can be found by contacting Laika at Tel. 0521 55770373.
- Laika's new project, the "Comfort Garden," is an extension of their commitment to enhancing mental health and wellness, as it spans 90 square meters on the farm where families plant fruit and vegetables.
- Recognizing the ongoing need for financial resources, Laika emphasizes the importance of donations, membership fees, fundraising events, and possibly grants to secure the continued provision of science-based emotional support services for individuals in healthcare, social institutions, nursing homes, schools, care facilities, and beyond.
