Soulbuddies: an organization that supports children and teenagers

How can children and adolescents be supported when they are in the midst of a mental health crisis, but have to wait months for a spot in therapy? One answer to this question is the founding of Soulbuddies e.V. in 2018 by child and adolescent psychotherapist Solveigh Disselkamp-Niewiarra along with colleagues and students. The organization has been honored with awards including the WDR Children’s Rights Prize.
The central idea of the initiative is to identify crises early and stabilize daily life until therapeutic treatment is possible. The Soulbuddies play a crucial bridging role in this process: they listen, support young people, and help them navigate the often confusing healthcare system. The goal is to provide guidance and create a bridge to professional therapy.
With a network of dedicated professionals and student volunteers, the association supports young people up to age 25 in mental health crises with low-threshold, confidential assistance. Solveigh Disselkamp-Niewiarra discusses, among other things, the origins of this initiative, the Soulmobil, and her day-to-day work. She offers insights into the problems children and adolescents most frequently bring to the Soulbuddies and shares touching encounters that demonstrate how important low-threshold access, early support, and a listening ear can be. 
She also discusses exactly who children and teenagers can turn to locally when they need help, and what initial points of contact are available.