Ruth von Kymmel has an open ear in the rural districts of Erfurt
Ruth von Kymmel has been responsible for some rural districts of the state capital since April 2023. She studied social work, grew up in Erfurt and is happy to be able to work again in the city of her childhood.
“As a younger person, I find myself confronted with issues that would actually only affect me in a few years. “That’s what makes the program so versatile and highlights numerous aspects of getting older,” says Ruth von Kymmel. As a counseling specialist, she is open to the concerns and questions of seniors in most rural districts of Erfurt. She listens to needs and researches suitable offers. “I also like to accompany clients to offers. “Together, the first step is easier to get back in touch with other people,” she says. She also benefits from the exchange with colleagues who have been involved in the state program for a long time.
The Agathe consultants also maintain important cooperation with the four municipal seniors' clubs on Roten Berg, in Daberstedt, on Berliner Straße and in the city center. Torsten Löffler, head of the seniors' club in Daberstedt, is also the coordinator of the Agathe project in Erfurt. He invites the Agathe consultants to regular exchange meetings in order to connect the shared network even better.
Ruth von Kymmel's rural districts are located in all directions on the outskirts of Erfurt, which is why she is in contact with all other consultants in order to provide offers to her clients. She regularly travels to Tiefthal, Gispersleben, Hochstedt, Rhoda (Haarberg), Möbisburg-Rhoda, Gottstedt, Bischleben-Stedten and Hochheim. Therefore, the district mayors and the municipal district managers are also important contacts for them in order to be able to record needs in the districts. “In addition, church communities, local and traditional associations, contact area officials, volunteer fire departments, existing senior citizen groups, nursing services and welfare associations are important contact points for me. That always depends on what is located in the respective towns.”
“Being lonely is an individual feeling. Not everyone who is alone feels lonely. That’s why I encourage people to listen to their own needs and express where they need support,” says Ruth von Kymmel. Her experience shows that these range from coffee chats and stool exercises to drawing up a living will. “The need is huge and will continue to increase in the future,” says Ruth von Kymmel.
Ruth von Kymmel can be reached by phone on 0176 48992242 and offers free, confidential consultation hours. These take place every fortnight on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the even-numbered calendar weeks in the Martin-Niemöller-Haus on Zittauer Straße in Gispersleben, and every fortnight on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the community center in odd-numbered calendar weeks at Lindenplatz in Bischleben and every first Thursday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the community center on Kleine Dorfstrasse in Gottstedt .
Source: Current reports from the state capital Erfurt