SEKIS (Self-Help Contact and Information Center) Berlin
We primarily provide information about publicly-funded self-help resources and peer support groups (without professionals) in Berlin.
Our core mission is to enable personal and social self-help via peer-support groups.
Our work is based on the notion that a healthy, balanced, and supportive community is built from the bottom up by its members acting on their own free will and internal motivation, rather than being managed by external authorities (Gurus, Doctors, and similar).
SEKIS Berlin actively promotes networking, advocacy, and empowerment for those creating their own groups, initiatives, or organizations that aim to overcome specific personal health and social challenges.
To fulfill this mission, we focus on three main areas:
- Direct Group Support & Referral: We maintain the comprehensive database of all peer support groups in Berlin. We refer individuals to existing groups or provide consultation on how to start or join new peer support groups.
- Partner Connection & Infrastructure: We connect individuals with partners, such as the district (Bezirk)-specific Self-Help Contact Points. Each contact point offers consultation, physical meeting spaces, and other resources that support self-determined health care and social cohesion across the city.
- Targeted Outreach & Education: We run dedicated, educational outreach programs and events, including:
- Self-Help for Young People ages 18-35 (Jungeselbsthilfe)
- Self-Help and Migration
- Further Education for Peer Support Group Participants (Fortbildungen)
- Various workshops and events focused on overcoming intersectional challenges using one’s own volition.
