From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., anyone interested can stop by to chat over coffee and cake and learn about self-help opportunities in Wiesbaden. The self-help contact centers will provide information about existing groups and programs and answer questions about self-help. 

The event is open to anyone interested in self-help, regardless of whether they already have experience with a self-help group or are encountering the topic for the first time. Family members and people looking for suitable support options for themselves or others are also welcome. 

“Self-Help Day is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the diversity and strength of self-help. When you join a self-help group, you meet people who have had similar experiences and can understand your situation. This exchange can be encouraging and open up new perspectives,” explains Dr. Katharina Ferrari-Kühne, acting director of the Wiesbaden Health Department. 

The impact of self-help lies primarily in the shared knowledge gained from experience and in mutual support. Self-help groups can counteract isolation, strengthen self-confidence and solidarity, and help people better cope with their daily lives while living with an illness, disability, or other stressful life situations. Through these exchanges, those affected also develop the skills to navigate the healthcare system and strengthen their self-management abilities. In this way, self-help complements professional medical and psychosocial care without replacing it. 

Self-Help Day was launched in 2025 by the National Contact and Information Center for Self-Help (NAKOS) and the German Working Group of Self-Help Groups (DAG SHG). In 2026, the AOK Federal Association is supporting the nationwide campaign for Self-Help Day under the motto #GemeinsamStark. Across Germany, self-help contact centers are raising awareness of the possibilities and importance of community-based self-help through various activities. 

Further information is also available in the event calendar at www.wiesbaden.de (opens in a new tab).