Talking sustainability with: Constanze Jestaedt Fischer

What are the focal points of your work in the community?

The community centre in the Flingern area of Düsseldorf serves as a first port of call for many people; as an institution acting on behalf of the Youth Welfare Office, it provides easy-to-access support in the form of family advice and education. It connects institutions within the district and supports citizens’ own initiative. It first started its work back in 1982 by helping with homework and has since grown into a hub for interaction and advice, gradually adding services for women, parents, children and everybody living in the neighbourhood. It not only offers German classes for migrant women, parent–child groups and sewing classes, but also provides advice to families and to older people at risk of falling into poverty. Residents are encouraged to shape their own district together and feel at home in Flingern. This is fostered by parties, initiatives and the provision of space for independently organised local groups.

What is the significance of partnerships with companies such as Commerz Real when it comes to achieving your goals?

Social work in Germany is costed down to the last farthing, leaving no scope for creative and innovative approaches. It is therefore almost impossible to work in a needs-based way or adapt services
in an agile manner. Partnerships such as the one with Commerz Real give us unprecedented freedom to engage with people and make our materials and premises appealing.