Clubs are not only an important part of social life, they are also extremely important for the personal development of children and young people, alongside family and educational institutions. Volunteers are essential caregivers in this regard. However, the voluntary sector can also be a potential risk area for (sexualized) violence against children and young people. Victims often suffer the physical, psychological and social consequences of abuse for the rest of their lives. It is therefore the task of associations and volunteers to be a place of protection for children and young people and at the same time to support those affected with their knowledge and expertise. A concept for the protection of children and young people - a so-called "protection concept" - makes clubs and voluntary organizations such an important place of protection and competence.

But what does such a "protection concept" mean?

The network for strengthening and promoting the protection of children and young people in the Aachen city region(imblick.info), in cooperation with the municipal integration center of the Aachen city region, the Protestant youth department in the Aachen church district and the RegioSportbund Aachen e. V., has produced the information brochure "Mein Verein. My safe place."(www.imblick.info/schutzkonzept). The brochure provides volunteer-run organizations with guidelines that they can use for orientation.

The network is now inviting volunteer-run associations and institutions in particular to an information event focusing on the topic of "protection concepts". On the one hand, it is about the legally required framework conditions, but at the same time also about practical experience in implementing an individual concept in an association.

The event will take place on Thursday, November 28, from 6 to 7.30 p.m., at DEPOT Talstraße 2, 52068 Aachen. Admission is free. Please register informally by e-mail by November 22 to silvia.alles@mail.aachen.de.