Committed in Flensburg

One thing quickly became clear: this was not a starting signal, as volunteers and full-time staff have already achieved a great deal in recent months. Rather, the forum was about better linking the structures of the individual organisations, associations, initiatives and official contact points.

Discussions took place at over 20 tables in the Flensburg Bürgersaal on topics including language, health, housing, work, education and leisure. The call for a central point where important addresses of contact persons from the various centres could be bundled was heard across all topics.

Existing and new support programmes were also discussed in many rounds of talks. Whether mentors, sponsors or intermediaries - both refugees and businesses, housing companies or neighbours can benefit from such projects.

Lord Mayor Simon Faber drew a positive interim balance of the activities to date and emphasised: "The forum makes a valuable contribution to further improving the interaction between volunteers and full-time staff in Flensburg. Together, we need staying power for successful integration."

Raimund Dankowski took a stand on the topic of housing. "People with a migration background have always been among our members. They are part of our neighbourhoods. We know that. It works well!" emphasised the Chairman of the Board of SBV eG. The only special thing now is the number of people who have come and want to stay. "We want to organise them to stay," Dankowski continued. SBV has therefore already initiated numerous new construction projects in recent months. "This won't happen overnight, but we are just adding to the list so that there is enough affordable housing available for everyone - not just refugees." In view of the many committed people he met at this event, he was convinced that Flensburg would be able to overcome the upcoming challenges posed by the many new residents.

IHK President Uwe Möser pointed out the need for continuous dialogue between all stakeholders: "In the interests of those affected, we need to build networks, create synergies and work together continuously to integrate people into our society and economy. In the long term, this will also have positive effects on the labour market."

At the end of the event, moderator Carsten Roeder drew a positive balance. A continuation of the dialogue series is planned for 20 September.

The forum was supported by the "Engagierte Stadt" network programme. The "Engagierte Stadt" programme is a joint initiative of the Bertelsmann Foundation, the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, the Generali Future Fund, the Herbert Quandt Foundation, the Körber Foundation, the Robert Bosch Foundation and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.

Further information on the network programme: www.engagiertestadt.de