Hidden heroes: School social workers helps young people in crises!

Hidden heroes: School social workers helps young people in crises!

In Wels-Land there is a special ray of hope for children and adolescents in crisis situations: Florian Mengast, 33 years old, acts as a school social worker and is available to the students as a trusting contact. Meingast has been in this function for eight months and looks after four schools in the district. His work is part of a committed team of three school social workers who is stationed at the Wels-Land district administration. In the past school year they supported impressive 12 schools, 132 classes and a total of 2,645 young people.

How is it that school social work is so important? More and more students are fighting with challenges that affect not only school, but also their entire living environment. Meingast describes that topics such as disputes, lovesickness, drug hematics and psychological problems are becoming increasingly common. "I'm just there and listen," he says, and that seems to be exactly what many young people need. His authenticity and the trust he builds up with the students are central components of his work.

build trust in sensitive times

At the beginning of his work, the skepticism towards his role was great. But Meingast has faced the challenge and is working on winning the trust of the teachers, parents and students. He is often the first point of contact for the children who are far from family and friends in a difficult situation. It should be emphasized that many young people suffer from stress such as depression, bulimia and anorexia, which are often reinforced by social media. "It is important to be authentic and have real conversations," emphasizes Meingast.

MeinGast sees not only in direct support, but also in networking and offering further help. A big problem is that some families perceive it as a weakness to ask for support. This often makes help a taboo subject. "Every young person deals with their challenges differently," explains Meingast and emphasizes that access to school social work depends heavily on a positive culture of help. A fact that is also important in research on school social work, as the dissertation of Jacqueline Eidemann illustrates. In their investigation into the living environments and problem of problem of problems of young people, the central role of school social work in the life of young people is emphasized and the importance of visible and sensitive teachers is emphasized.

an eye on the future

Mengast has established a valuable connection with his students. "It's nice if I can be there for you and thank me," he says. He knows that the support he can provide is often crucial for the development of young people. School social work is not just a job for him, but a matter close to the heart that offers hope for the future of the young generation.

With great commitment, Meingast is devoting himself to the challenges that young people mastered today. In this way, topics such as bullying, mental health and social integration are always in the focus of his work and underline the crucial role that school social workers in the educational landscape are taking today.

In the course of these developments, it is more necessary than ever to recognize the importance of school social work and to offer increased support. The value of such care for young people is undisputed and may be the key to a healthier and more harmonious society. The commitment of Florian Mengast and his team is a colorful Lichtblick, for which a look into the future is worthwhile.

For more information about school social work and its importance for the youth, we recommend the dissertation of Jacqueline Eidemann on the use and benefits of school social work at