Railways Stations Reach Capacity Limit in Bavaria
Bayern's Railway Missions, a vital service providing support to travelers in need, are facing numerous challenges in 2024. The increased workload, spatial limits, and the need for more volunteers are just a few of the obstacles these missions are encountering.
According to reports by IN VIA Bayern and the Diakonisches Werk Bayern, the surge in guest contacts and support needs can be attributed to an increasing number of people seeking help for mental health issues and addiction. In fact, statistics show that almost a third of those seeking help at a Bayern railway mission suffer from mental illness or addiction. Last year alone, there was a 50% increase in the number of people with mental health issues seeking help at Bayern's Railway Missions.
The crises of recent years continue to impact Bayern's Railway Missions, with the trend showing no signs of abating. The difficulties in traveling by train, such as full or delayed trains, increasing digitization, and the hustle and bustle at train stations, are exacerbating the situation. These challenges make it difficult for many to seek mental health support, which in turn impacts Bayern's Railway Missions.
Staff at Bayern's Railway Missions are reaching their spatial limits, and the workload for both paid and volunteer staff is constantly increasing. To address these issues, the missions are seeking continuous financial support from the Bavarian state government.
In a positive development, the Free State of Bavaria has already granted financial support to the City Mission Nuremberg for the 'Bahnhofsläufer*innen' streetwork project around the main train station. This project, co-funded by the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labor and Social Affairs as part of the action plan 'Help for the Homeless,' has been renewed for the year 2025.
Despite these challenges, Bayern's Railway Missions continue to provide essential services. In 2024, they recorded a new record of 566,000 guest contacts. However, with few other offers for affected individuals in regions like Passau, where over 70% of those seeking help suffer from mental illness or addiction, the need for more volunteers and continued financial support remains critical.
