Every fifth to sixth child in Germany grows up with an addicted parent. In order to give this "invisible" group a voice, the Addiction Prevention Centre of the Paritätische PSW Behindertenhilfe, the Office for Health and Consumer Protection of the Börde district, the Child Protection Coordination Centre and the Early Help Coordination Centre of the district are presenting a special picture exhibition. The works on display were created in collaboration with trainee nursery school teachers from the Evangelische Fachschule für Soziale Berufe in Wolmirstedt. The exhibition invites visitors to take on the perspective of the children and find out about support services in the Börde district.
In Germany, an estimated three million children and adolescents and around six million adults are affected by addiction in the family. The consequences are often serious: neglect, experiences of violence and a massively increased risk of developing an addiction or mental illness later on. Nevertheless, the topic often remains a taboo in society.
"Children from families with addiction problems don't need pity, they need understanding, visibility and support," emphasises Martina Engelhard-Oxe, counsellor at the Addiction Prevention Centre. "With the picture exhibition, we want to bring these children out of the shadows and show how the help system can effectively support them and their families." The pictures on display are the result of a project course. Trainee nursery school teachers have creatively explored the lives of affected children. The exhibition will take place from 18 February to 6 March 2026 in the foyer of the district administration office in Haldensleben.
Contact person:
Addiction Prevention Centre of the Paritätische PSW Behindertenhilfe
Ms Martina Engelhard-Oxe
Telephone number: 03904 6685850
Email: praevention-hdl(at)web.de
Image: Deputy Dr Marcus Waselewski, Börde district; Stefanie Kunz, Coordinating Network for Early Help, Börde district; Sara Nique, Health Coordinator, Börde district; Martina Engelhard-Oxe, Specialist Centre for Addiction Prevention, Haldensleben; District Administrator Martin Stichnoth, Börde district (from left to right)