Funding of EUR 5 million approved for the project by the Commission
In the Ludwigsburg district, a series of budget cuts are causing concern among local social service providers and associations. The Caritas, a specialist centre for eating disorders, is set to receive a reduction of 50,000 euros in funding.
This news has raised alarm bells for Marc Dressel, spokesman for the League of Free Welfare Organizations. He fears that these cuts could have a significant impact on the associations and the people who depend on their services. According to Dressel, cuts to free social carriers will be noticeable, and some services like language promotion and the counseling centre for eating disorders may simply disappear.
One such association, Tragwerk, which promotes inclusion and participation in society, has been receiving an annual subsidy of 25,000 euros from the district. However, this subsidy is set to be abolished from 2026, as per the district council's decision. Tragwerk is also concerned about potential cuts to several projects, including the popular Cafe L'ink, which brings different people together and supports young people with disabilities.
Silke Rapp, a board member of Tragwerk, laments the potential impact of these cuts on inclusion work, stating that it is a human right and affects everyone.
The language promotion of the Children's Protection Association for Refugee Children, the counseling centre of the Diakonie and Caritas for people in need, the counseling centre of Pro Family on pregnancy and parenthood, and the specialist centre for eating disorders, operated by the Caritas, are also having their subsidies cut, totalling around 62,700 euros.
Without debt counseling, fewer people would be able to return to a regulated life, which would affect the job centre, emergency housing assistance, and social services.
Meanwhile, in the world of football, VfB Stuttgart continues to plan with Nick Woltemade for the coming season, following his first appearance in a test match against Toulouse. However, their U-21 team suffered a defeat in Duisburg.
Elsewhere in Ludwigsburg, the Henkersfest, traditionally held on the Wilhelmsplatz, is happening for the first time in the old town due to security reasons.
While the current status of the budget cuts in the Ludwigsburg district remains unclear, a study from the addiction counseling shows that an invested euro in addiction counseling prevents 17 euros in follow-up costs for society as a whole. It is hoped that these cuts can be reconsidered to ensure the continued provision of vital services for the community.
With the looming budget cuts threatening various associations, Marc Dressel voiced concerns about the potential implications for personal-finance services like the counseling centre for eating disorders. Silke Rapp, a board member of Tragwerk, emphasized the importance of preserving funding for personal-finance programs, such as the language promotion and support services for young people with disabilities, to uphold human rights and inclusion.
