Styria’s Zeitpolster network grows as 250 provide community help

About 250 people in Styria are now volunteering through Zeitpolster, a social project that connects people seeking private assistance with those willing to help, ORF reported. Organisers say interest is continuing to grow.

Younger volunteers mainly support older people with everyday tasks. They may accompany someone to a medical appointment, go shopping or attend the opera with a 90-year-old woman whose husband has died.

Care work and cleaning are not included in the service. However, volunteers can help with tasks such as taking down and rehanging curtains after washing them or working in the garden.

Each hour of assistance is credited to the volunteer’s Zeitpolster account. The hours can later be redeemed through the network when the volunteer needs help themselves.

Birgit Wurzwallner of Zeitpolster in Styria said that small forms of assistance can sometimes allow people to remain at home for longer. The project aims to strengthen neighbourhood support and promote cooperation within society.

Two new local authority groups were recently established, bringing the total in Styria to five. Groups in Feldbach and Liezen are expected to be added soon.