Close to people | Stories from Bethel
Poster campaign "Being there for people"
Bethel is now advertising its diaconal work across Germany on around 10,000 billboards. The slogan for our new billboards is "Being there for people". Because we are all about people. They are at the centre of our facilities and services - regardless of whether they work or live with us, are supported by us or go to school. And that's why they are the "main characters" on our posters. We introduce them here.
Warmth and love complement the therapy
Anton was born far too early. Most babies weigh around 3500 grams at birth. Anton weighed only 650 grams. He had to be treated at the Bethel Children's Centre for a long time. His parents were with him very often. They are very happy and relieved because Anton is now doing well. As small and fragile as he looks, Anton has already more than doubled his weight in the past few months.
Rosemarie is a cheerful soul
Rosemarie Sauren and Boris Dieckmann have known each other for a long time from the day-care programmes. She enjoys being a guest there, he works there. Playing games, looking at the newspaper or listening to fairy tales - for the 85-year-old senior citizen from Haus Emmaus, there are lots of fun things she can do to organise her day. Recently, she painted a bird house together with Boris Dieckmann. She particularly enjoyed doing that. Rosemarie Sauren enjoys socialising and loves chatting with others. She is a cheerful person who enjoys life to the full, says Boris Dieckmann.
A ray of hope in a difficult time
Philipp is four years old and has cancer. That's why he regularly comes to the Bethel Children's Centre. Here, children who have cancer like Philipp receive very intensive treatment for seven to twelve months. They receive chemotherapy at intervals. Because their immune system is shut down during this time, the young patients have to avoid social contact - the risk of infection is too great. Occupational therapy at Bethel Hospital is a ray of hope - an important and beautiful place during this difficult time. Philipp really likes it here too, because they do handicrafts, sing, read aloud and have fun.
You can kick well in a wheelchair
Bercem has a serious illness. That's why she has often been to the Bethel children's and youth hospice. She loves this place in Bethel - for her, every stay is like a holiday. It's a great place to play and have fun with other children. The parents are looked after like in a hotel, and the siblings are also allowed to come along. That's why the hospice is a cheerful place, with lots of laughter. Even if death always plays a role.
Crafting with enthusiasm
Lenny is four years old. He had a brain tumour that was removed in hospital. While other children his age are digging in the sandpit or playing in the playground, Lenny's everyday life consists of hospital stays, medication and infusions. He is doing much better now, but he still has to go to the Bethel paediatric clinic regularly for therapy and check-ups. His favourite thing to do is attend occupational therapy. There he loves to paint, do handicrafts and knead. Pain and anxiety are then forgotten.
Splash happily in the warm water
Sandro is eleven years old. The cheerful boy is in a wheelchair. He cannot walk or stand on his own. But he can look curiously. Perhaps even a little sceptical. Because this is his first visit to the swimming pool. A small pool at Bethel makes it easy for him to get used to the water. He is soon splashing around happily in the warm water.