Stade has a broad network of social help — church organisations such as Caritas and Diakonie, secular ones such as AWO and the Red Cross, a women’s refuge, the food bank, plus migration, debt and family advice. Most of it is free and confidential.
The Catholic welfare organisation, offering social advice, help in a crisis and support for newcomers and for families in difficulty. Many of the staff have intercultural experience — if language is a barrier, it is worth making first contact by e-mail.
The Protestant welfare association: material help, crisis advice, work with older people, family support and an addiction service (tel. 04141 4117-26). Open to people of every faith and of none.
The Red Cross district branch: patient transport, first-aid courses, home nursing and volunteering. Care and rehabilitation aids can also be borrowed here.
The AWO (Arbeiterwohlfahrt) runs a nursery in Stade, the migration advice service (MBE) and support programmes for older people. An important first stop for anyone still finding their way around the German social system.
Migration advice for adults — help with residence, work and language courses, and with access to health care and education. The service is free and confidential.
The Tafel hands out food from local supermarkets to people on a low income. You need a Tafel card as proof of entitlement. The volunteers are happy to answer questions from first-time visitors.
A refuge for women and children affected by domestic violence. The address is confidential — contact is by phone or e-mail only. The help is free and discreet and includes psychological and legal support, as well as help with starting again.
A free advice centre for people whose debts have grown over their heads. The advisers go through the household budget, negotiate with creditors and accompany insolvency proceedings. The service is confidential and independent of any bank.
An advice centre for questions about relationships, family planning, sex education and unplanned pregnancy. It also advises young people and runs workshops in schools.
An association supporting people with learning disabilities and their families. It runs inclusive nurseries, sheltered workshops, supported housing and advice for parents. Often the first place families turn to after a child is diagnosed.
