Social Integration in Weyhe: New Day Center for People with Addiction and Focus on Volunteer Fire Departments

Social Support and Integration in Weyhe

Social integration and the strengthening of communities are central topics in municipal politics—especially in rural regions like Weyhe, where social structures are often more tightly woven but also more vulnerable to breakdowns. In February 2026, two key developments were advanced in Weyhe that shape both the social and financial structure of the municipality: the introduction of the day center "reta" for people with addiction and the adjustment of the compensation for the Volunteer Fire Department.

The Day Center "reta": A Step Toward Independence

The day center "reta," established in Bassum, is an initiative of the association release e. V., which is active in the northern district of Diepholz. The goal of the facility is to provide people with chronic dependency disorders (alcohol, medication, illegal substances) with a stable daily structure and social integration. The day center is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 14:00 and offers a wide range of practical activities such as kitchen and garden work, creative projects, and sports, complemented by psychosocial support through individual and group sessions.

The day center is funded through the integration assistance under §53 of the Social Code Book XII (SGB XII), meaning the municipality of Weyhe incurs no additional costs. At the same time, the project provides significant social benefits: it strengthens self-help initiatives, promotes life skills, and reduces the risk of relapse. In the same building, the low-threshold meeting café "CAFÉ PAUSE" offers opportunities for social contact, thereby bridging the gap between the day center and the broader community.

Compensation for the Volunteer Fire Department: More Fairness in Voluntary Work

Another focus of Weyhe's social policy was the adjustment of the compensation for members of the Volunteer Fire Department. The Committee on Order and Social Affairs discussed the 3rd ordinance to amend the regulations on compensation and income loss. The aim of the reform is to reduce the financial burden on the municipality while at the same time giving greater recognition to voluntary work.

The planned changes include an increase in compensation of approximately 29,900 euros in 2026, funded from the municipal budget. The increase is necessary to offset rising costs due to inflation and higher qualification requirements for fire department members. In addition, further office holders such as secretaries or warehouse supervisors are to be included in the compensation regulations. The compensation for special training courses is increased from 10 to 15 euros per day, and the contribution to the fire department fund rises from 12,000 to 16,000 euros.

This reform reflects the growing importance of voluntary work in the municipality and highlights the need to appropriately value voluntary work financially and symbolically.

Youth in the Community: Report on Managing Places of Stay

In addition to social and financial issues, the role of youth in public order was also a focus. At the request of the WWG faction, a report was prepared on the topic of "Offers, Stay and Manageability of Youth in the Municipality of Weyhe." The report examines which offers exist for youth, where they regularly congregate and how usage conflicts in public space can be managed.

Particularly relevant is the question of how order services, police and other involved parties deal with disturbances of the peace or property damage. The report aims to provide a precise picture of the situation while also showing legal limits and options for action. The goal is to create a well-founded and legally based status report for the municipality that allows for better long-term management.

Outlook: Social and Financial Balance in Weyhe

The developments in February 2026 show how Weyhe addresses both social and financial challenges. The day center "reta" is an example of an integrative project that creates social impact without financial burden on the municipality. At the same time, the municipality becomes more transparent and fair in dealing with voluntary work through the adjustment of fire department payments. Finally, the report on youth management is another step toward maintaining the balance between freedom and order in public space.

In the coming months, it will be important to monitor the effects of these measures and, if necessary, make further adjustments. Social work in rural communities is often a balancing act—between individual support and collective well-being, between financial sustainability and social responsibility.