Five years after the flood – the psychological effects remain.
Many houses have been rebuilt. Roads have been repaired and bridges rebuilt. What remains to this day, however, is the emotional distress suffered by many children and families. Traumatic experiences do not simply disappear once the clean-up work is complete – often, their effects only become apparent years later.
Since the floods in July 2021, Fortuna hilft e.V. has been supporting people in the Ahr Valley as they rebuild their lives and regain their independence. Your donation will help provide long-term psychosocial support, create safe spaces for children and give families new hope.
supported children and families
Malzirkus locations
since
Active in the Ahr Valley
When the flood came
When the flood disaster struck the Ahr Valley in July 2021, many people found themselves left with nothing within a matter of hours. Homes were destroyed, memories swept away and entire livelihoods shattered. It quickly became clear to us that help had to be provided immediately and without red tape.
Together with numerous volunteers, we delivered food, hygiene products, pet food and urgently needed donations in kind to the affected regions. Yet even in the first few days, it became clear that people needed far more than just material support. Many were looking for someone to listen to them, to give them hope and to show them that they were not alone in facing their circumstances.
From emergency aid to long-term support
Whilst many relief efforts focused on rebuilding the infrastructure, we placed people at the centre of our work. Children in particular suffered as a result of their experiences of the flood and the strain on their families. That is why we established the first safe spaces at an early stage, where specialists in trauma-informed education could provide a sense of security, stability and guidance.
This work led to the development of the Painting circus – today, a long-term psychosocial support service operating at several locations. Here, children can process their experiences creatively, build trust and simply be children again. At the same time, parents find a place where they can share their experiences and find some relief. Over the past five years, we have already been able to support over 20,000 children and their families in this way.
Why help is more important today than ever before
In recent years, many people have simply carried on with their lives. They had to organise the reconstruction, contact insurance companies, deal with the red tape and provide support for their families. There was often no time left to come to terms with what they had been through.
It is only now, as everyday life slowly returns to normal, that the psychological consequences are becoming apparent. Traumatic stress is once again coming to the fore. Many children are once again developing anxieties, sleeping less well or withdrawing from others. Our experience shows that, for many families, the real process of coming to terms with what has happened is only just beginning. That is why psychosocial support requires a long-term commitment – and this is precisely where we come in.
Why your donation is still important today
With your support, we create places where children can find peace, build trust and come to terms with their experiences. You make art therapy programmes, animal-assisted interventions and ongoing support for families possible.
Psychosocial support
We support children and families as they return to everyday life.
Art therapy at the Malzirkus
Using colours and creativity to give form to emotions.
Animal-assisted intervention
Animals provide a sense of security, closeness and renewed confidence.
Supporting parents
Working together to strengthen families and create new opportunities.
Gallery
Press News – 5 years after the flood disaster
Shaping the future together
Five years after the floods, one thing is clear: the psychological effects do not simply go away on their own. Many children and families still need people who will listen to them, give them strength and support them on their journey.
Your donation will help us to continue offering this support in the future. Together, we can ensure that hope endures – long after the cameras have gone.
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