Change of management with professional continuity
Anja Spingler, an experienced theologian and social pedagogue, is taking over the management of BZM. She has many years of experience in counseling and outpatient family support. Most recently, she worked in Neumünster and the district of Pinneberg, among other places.
"I have experienced a committed, highly qualified team and a facility that is indispensable for many families in Neumünster. My goal is to further develop this work and strengthen the provision together with the city and the cooperation partners - precisely because the need continues to grow," says Anja Spingler, team leader of the Mittelholstein advice center.
Gesa Kitschke, Managing Director of Diakonie Altholstein, emphasizes: "With Anja Spingler, the BZM has gained an experienced and professionally broad-based manager. She will continue to develop the successful work of the counseling center together with the team and provide important impetus for psychosocial care in Neumünster. The BZM will remain a reliable anchor for families in our city."
High demand, limited capacity - waiting times are increasing
In 2025, BZM processed a total of 775 cases: 658 in parenting, family and youth counseling and 117 in couples and life counseling. The demand clearly exceeds the available capacity. As of March 31, 2026, 63 people were waiting for a first appointment - without an appointment offer.
Waiting times have increased noticeably: in the area of parenting, family and youth counseling, 23% of those seeking advice waited between three and six months for an initial consultation, and 3% even waited six to nine months. In couples and life counseling, 43% of clients waited three to six months, 15% even six to nine months. Some crisis cases had to be referred to the General Social Services (ASD) or the clinic after a short-term initial consultation because all capacities were exhausted.
The most common reasons for seeking advice were family conflicts and relationship problems (36% of responses), parental mental illness or problems (20%) and developmental problems and emotional problems in children and adolescents (23%). More than one in five consultations in the area of parenting, family and youth counseling focused on separation and contact arrangements.
"The figures show what we experience on a daily basis: The psychological pressure on families in Neumünster is great. Children in separation conflicts, parents with mental illnesses, young people in crisis - they all need quick, low-threshold help. The fact that many of them have to wait for months is not an acceptable situation," explains Anja Spingler.
Group services for separated children: tried and tested, in high demand
A particular focus in 2025 was the group services for children from separating families. Two groups with seven children each were held - supplemented by a parent separation group with seven parents. In seven joint sessions, the children learned to express their feelings, develop personal coping strategies and feel supported in a supportive group atmosphere. At the same time, the parents worked on their communication and how they deal with the other parent - because a separation always puts a strain on the whole family.
Demand clearly exceeds supply. A total of three groups for separated children are therefore planned for 2026; the first session took place at the beginning of the year. In May 2026, another post-separation parent group will also be launched.
When parents separate, the children are often the ones who suffer - not because the parents want it, but because conflict and pain overshadow the children's attention. The groups offered by Diakonie Altholstein create a protected space in which children realize that they are not alone and that their feelings have a place.
Cooperation with the city of Neumünster
Diakonie Altholstein and the City of Neumünster can look back on many years of trusting cooperation and the common goal of reliably supporting families, children and young people in stressful life situations.
Carsten Hillgruber, Neumünster City Councillor, explains: "The Mittelholstein advice center makes an important contribution to children, young people and families in Neumünster. Especially in view of the increasing demand, it is important to secure this reliable and professionally strong service together with Diakonie Altholstein in the long term."
The city of Neumünster finances the BZM's parenting, family and youth counseling services as well as its specialist child protection counseling. Other services such as couples and life counseling are mainly financed by Diakonie Altholstein's own funds; half a staff position in this area is financed by church funds. Other projects and services offered by the counseling center are supported by state funds.
Photo: Anja Spingler, Team Leader Counseling Center Mittelholstein, Diakonie Altholstein, Nadine Ginzel, Head of Family Division, Diakonie Altholstein and Carsten Hillgruber, Neumünster City Councillor (from left)