North Rhine‑Westphalia launches new statewide alliance to combat loneliness

The government of North Rhine‑Westphalia has established a new action alliance called “Du+Wir=Eins. Nordrhein‑Westfalen gegen Einsamkeit” to coordinate existing initiatives, projects, associations, foundations, universities, businesses and individuals in the fight against loneliness. The alliance will support the nationwide “Action Week against Loneliness” from 22 to 28 June 2026 and introduce a digital platform where anyone in the state can join and access more than 900 offers.

In the neighbouring towns of Monheim and Baumberg, the locally‑run ZWAR network celebrated its ten‑year anniversary. ZWAR ("Zwischen Arbeit und Ruhestand") helps people transition into retirement by fostering self‑organised, cost‑free groups that combat isolation. Founder Ude Bahr highlighted that without ZWAR many members would feel “in a hole”, underscoring its role within the broader anti‑loneliness effort.