New social space increases opportunities for socially disadvantaged people

The city of Steyr may have done pioneering work by implementing a new concept in social work: Steyr was the first city in Upper Austria and the second in Austria after Graz to put youth and family social work on a new footing and to implement the concept of social space orientation. The first of two planned centers, the one on Hafnerstrasse on Ennsleite, was opened on Tuesday.

The path there was probably not always conflict-free. The result, however, should have been worth the effort. Steyr has demonstrated innovative strength for social progress, said the responsible state councilor Michael Lindner (SP) in his speech and spoke of the “courage to break out of the usual path”. Vice Mayor Anna-Maria Demmelmayr-Durst, who once worked in the municipal department for youth welfare and social services, was relieved. She thanked them for courage, energy and perseverance: “With the social space orientation, we are on the right path, at the right time and with the right people. Working in the districts gives us completely new opportunities to give children and young people the chance to succeed to give life.”

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