Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein has been supporting Volkshilfe for many years as part of its commitment to meeting its social responsibilities. Through its annual campaigns, Austrian NGO Volkshilfe raises awareness of the issue of poverty, and child poverty in particular, among the Austrian public. Over 1.5 million people, including around 376,000 children, are at risk of poverty and social exclusion in the country – the equivalent of one in five children. Children and young people living in households with more than three children, in single-parent households or in households where no-one holds Austrian citizenship are most likely to be affected. Supported by Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein for many years, Volkshilfe’s broad-based campaigns send out an effective and enduring statement about child poverty in Austria.
Safeguarding health in childhood (“Kinder.Gesundheit.Sichern”)
It has been scientifically proven that poverty makes people ill. Many families simply cannot afford essential health services that are not covered by state health insurance. This is where the Volkshilfe fund “Kinder.Gesundheit.Sichern” steps in: it helps disadvantaged families to cover additional medical expenses for their children – from orthopaedic aids to physiotherapy and occupational and speech therapy, as well as when it comes to specialised medications, healthy nutrition measures, and mental health support. Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein supports the Kinder.Gesundheit.Sichern fund, which is committed to helping improve access to vital health services for low-income families. This not only addresses immediate needs but also improves these children’s long-term prospects of academic success and a self-determined life.