City of Germany on track to become most family-oriented urban area

In the heart of Hamm, a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing family-friendliness are taking shape.

The Youth Career Agency (JuBA), located at Bismarckstraße 2, serves as a central contact point for young people transitioning from school to work. The JuBA operates in a low-threshold, holistic, and networked manner, collaborating with partners such as the job center and the employment agency.

Simultaneously, the Communal Support System at Schools (KUS) is strengthening schools through reliable and sustainable structures, supporting both care and prevention in educational and upbringing work. Currently, 13 schools are involved in the KUS, with expansion ongoing.

Recognising the importance of family support, Hamm has established the Family Town Hall, a one-stop-shop for services related to birth, parenthood, and early childhood. The digital version of the Family Town Hall is available at www.familienrathaus.de. Almost 40% of those surveyed already know the Family Town Hall offer, a remarkable figure after just one year, with awareness particularly high among parents with children under three years of age (70%).

The city's commitment to family-friendliness is evident in various policy areas. This cross-cutting task impacts mobility planning, leisure activities, and education, among others. The concept of "family as a community of responsibility" underlies all measures, encompassing various family forms including blended families, single parents, and intergenerational households.

Hamm has made significant strides in making childcare and school care offers more affordable. The city has halved parental contributions, making it one of the most affordable municipalities in NRW. The availability of care places is being increased to facilitate the compatibility of family and work, with three out of four primary school children having access to care places in open all-day schools or after-school care by the 2024/25 school year.

The city's second family report, detailing progress, challenges, and prospects towards becoming the "most family-friendly city in Germany," was recently presented. However, the evaluation of family-friendliness greatly depends on one's personal situation. Older people and those with higher incomes rate the offers above average, while single parents and socially disadvantaged households often show significantly lower satisfaction rates. To ensure family-friendliness applies to everyone, the city plans to support targeted areas where the need is greatest.

For more information on these services, contact Mr. Heller at the Department of Family-Friendly City, Theodor-Heuss-Platz 12, 59065 Hamm. For enquiries related to the Task Force Family-Friendly City, please contact Herr Gebhardt at the same address.

Mayor Marc Herter stated that the city has made progress but there is still much to do to improve living conditions for families. The city's unwavering commitment to family-friendliness is a testament to its dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all its residents.