New kitchen helps young people with mental illness prepare for work

A new kitchen at a day centre in Purgstall an der Erlauf is helping young people with mental illnesses learn practical skills as they prepare for employment, ORF reports. Donations also funded a dining room and a photovoltaic system at the centre, run by Social Business Services (SBS).

Participants at the FOKUS day centre try activities including sewing, welding and gardening. The programme introduces them to different trades and workplace routines. “You learn work structures, for example that you shouldn’t be late and that you do what your bosses tell you,” participant Sophie Schwaiger-Lehner said.

Because of their mental illnesses, those attending the centre are not currently able to work, SBS managing director Werner Pitzl said. The centre provides social support with the long-term goal of helping them find a job.

Participants also make products for companies, working with materials such as plastic, metal and textiles. Their activities include creative work and recycling. The new kitchen allows them to prepare meals and learn to cook, including with vegetables grown in the centre’s garden.

The Licht ins Dunkel fundraising campaign helped pay for the kitchen and dining room. A photovoltaic system was also installed to help cover high electricity costs. ORF Lower Austria director Alexander Hofer said inclusion was an important social issue and that coverage of it continued throughout the year.

Licht ins Dunkel collected more than 21 million euros for 489 projects across Austria in 2025.