Senator of Bremen for Labour, Social Affairs, Youth and Integration visits Vienna

A delegation of nearly 30 people from the city-state of Bremen, led by Senator Claudia Schilling, spent two intensive days in Vienna.

Delegation from Bremen with Senator Claudia Schilling

This study trip was organised by the Deputation for Social Affairs, Youth and Integration and the Deputation for Labour. Ambassador Vito Cecere, originally from Bremen, welcomed the delegation at the German Embassy. Various meetings followed, mainly with the City of Vienna.

Gabriele Mörk, second Chairperson of the Vienna City Council, gave a good overview of social issues in the city. This was followed by an exchange with the Vienna Employment Promotion Fund. The Integration and Diversity Department (MA 17) presented the "StartWien" project, which provides support, information and guidance for new residents of Vienna. The delegation also visited the U25 Youth Support Centre, where the Department for Social Welfare, Social and Public Health Law (MA 40) has been working successfully with the Public Employment Service for many years to help young people under 25 join the labour market.

The Vienna Social Fund (FSW) organised a guided tour of the Vienna Central Station and visits to social organisations neunerhaus and P7, with a presentation by Caritas and Suchthilfe Wien, a support centre for people suffering from addiction.

Vienna as best practice in the social sector

The delegation from Bremen was very impressed by how various authorities and organisations work together in Vienna. Among other things, efforts are being made to support homeless people, including those who do not receive any benefits because of their residence status. Using the example of the Vienna Central Station, where there is not as much poverty and addiction problems as in German cities, the social workers explained that FSW, Caritas, Vienna Public Transport, the police and the Austrian Federal Railways work very closely together and try to find a solution even in difficult situations.