The "Emergency Island" project was launched in Rodgau at last year's municipal children's festival. The basic idea for this initiative came from the German child protection foundation Hänsel+Gretel and was launched in 2002. According to this concept, children should find contact points in their town, community and neighbourhood in emergency and dangerous situations as well as for everyday minor problems. After one year in Rodgau, initiator Jennifer Jäger from the Agency for Economic Development and City Marketing takes stock: "We are pleased that 63 emergency centres are now offering their support in Rodgau. In addition to all of the town's daycare centres, two schools and a large number of companies from all parts of the town are also involved." Thanks to the easy-to-reach contact points, a number of minor wounds have been treated and brave children have been comforted. An incident in which senior citizens sought and found help in a daycare centre showed that the emergency islands are not just a contact point for children. It's easy to join in, because it's the little bits of help that should be offered: Giving a sympathetic ear to someone seeking help, offering a phone call or even a plaster. Perhaps the "Day of Civil Courage" on 19 September will inspire companies, clubs, doctors' surgeries, pharmacies, schools and other institutions in Rodgau to get involved in the project. Jennifer Jäger is happy to hear from other supporters on 06106 693-1216 or notinsel@rodgau.de. Participation in the project is free of charge for both the emergency islands and those seeking help. All information about the project and how to register as an emergency island can be found at www.rodgau.de/Notinsel or directly at www.notinsel.de/notinsel-werden.
