"Are there any Smarties today?" This question is a firm favorite when happy children spontaneously come to the BBG neighborhood meeting point. Once the afternoon program at the neighbouring Bürgerstraße elementary school is over, they often make a stopover at Bürgerstraße 9 before heading home with their parents - or on to Bistro Da Capo. There is now a table football table in the meeting place. It has become a real attraction in the neighborhood. Neighborhood manager Pavel Simchanka is putting a new crawling mat in the cupboard when we stop by. "I'm going to buy a second one. We have a lot of toddlers here who aren't quite sure on their feet yet," he says with a laugh. The 'Hand in Hand' toddler group always meets on Monday mornings now. Just before I wanted to put up a notice, it was already full. Ten young mothers or fathers quickly found each other. The mothers in the neighborhood are well connected. So word quickly got around about the new service. We have now also installed a changing table in the toilet."
Parent-child breakfast
The parent-child breakfast launched in September was also very well received right from the start. On the first Friday of every month, parents with children aged 0 to 6 bring a snack. At the first meeting with eleven adults and twelve children, there was even a fruit salad and banana bread on the table alongside bread rolls, cold cuts, jam and cheese. "At breakfast, the children usually sit on our laps. Then they make contact with each other on play mats next to the tables. They all have a toy from home with them, which they can borrow if they are interested. Sharing things is a small learning effect," explains coordinator Andrea Nimmerrichter-Morscheck. So there is an attractive selection for good entertainment: small cars, crackling books, rattles and much more. At the end, the children sing together. You can drop in between 10:00 and 12:00.
Registration and further information on 0170 598 2042. e-mail: a.nimmerrichter@skf-braunschweig.de
Counseling for pregnant women and parents
Psychologist Andrea Nimmerrichter-Morscheck from the SkF's pregnancy and family counseling service also regularly advises pregnant women and parents in the BBG neighborhood meeting place: on the first Tuesday of every month from 9:00 to 11:00 (without registration) and on the third Tuesday from 14:00 to 16:00 (with registration). "You can get an appointment here at short notice. You can also just ask a quick question. Or someone wants some feedback: Am I doing this right?" In everyday life, there are many situations in which you ask yourself: What is the best way to react? What do I do if my child doesn't want to brush their teeth - when they are defiant for the first time and say no? How do I deal with the fact that a sibling is jealous of the new baby? Other topics discussed during consultations include restless sleep, age-appropriate games and nutrition. "Everyone reaches a limit sometimes. It helps if you can ask questions. The advice is free and confidential."
Creative cooking
The BBG neighborhood meeting point now also offers cooking. Mahmood Akbari, who trained at the FourSide Hotel and Vomfeinsten Catering, invites people to cook creatively - every third Friday of the month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. "I post the recipes on WhatsApp beforehand: a Turkish vegetable pan with minced meat, fish, vegan dishes, soups, desserts such as apple crumble - anything is possible. Anyone who has an ingredient at home can bring it by arrangement. We buy what's missing," he explains. As they chop and prepare, the conversation is relaxed. "Many people live alone. Without guests, you don't always feel like cooking. I know that about myself," says the 30-year-old, who currently works in the kitchen at the Wilhelminum senior center. "Cooking in a group is fun and you get to see new faces." Of course, they also eat together at the long table. There is a maximum of six people. Register with Pavel Simchanka at Treff or by email: akbari212030@gmail.com. Purchases are paid for together.
Qigong, games and drumming
The other activities on offer at the Treff range from a reading circle and an open coffee and games group to drumming and qigong. All activities are free of charge and open to new participants. The exact weekly schedule is displayed in the new showcase in front of the neighborhood meeting place. We are very happy about the variety and the many people who come here regularly - aged 0 to 96. Four generations with lots of fun under one roof. That's great. Our motto is: "From neighbors for neighbors". Anyone who has time and would like to get involved is welcome to join in and do something good for the community - for example in handicraft or craft groups, sports courses, swap meets or flea markets.
' SPEAKING HOURS
Pavel Simchanka is always at the Treff on Mondays (14:00 to 16:00) and Wednesdays (9:00 to 11:00). E-mail: quartiersmanagement@baugenossenschaft.de. You can also subscribe to a newsletter at this address.