Right in the Heart of the Community—First Farmers’ Market on Hellmundstraße in Wiesbaden
For the first time, EVIM Community Psychiatry invited people to the courtyard market held around its premises, which offers activities to help structure the day. Lovingly displayed clothing, shoes, household items, and handmade products created by the people in the program attract many visitors and lead to exciting encounters and stimulating conversations. At the entrance to the courtyard, colorful balloons welcome visitors to the flea market on Hellmundstraße. Curious local residents mingle with people with disabilities, and cheerful children bounce about.
Passing by the inviting booths, you arrive at the former workshop hall with its loft-like atmosphere. It’s a bustling scene there. Four players are “dueling” at the foosball table with total dedication. A resident of the EVIM apartment building on Kapellenstraße is offering her makeup services. At a table, Foluke Oletaju from Westend Atelier demonstrates upcycling for fashion. A boy plays the piano with great feeling. Coffee and cake are available at a low price. “We want to create an open space for participation and creativity where people can meet on equal footing,” says Lars Rindfleisch, team leader of the day program. “An event like the courtyard market offers a wonderful opportunity for this and brings EVIM’s services to life as part of the social fabric.” Such an event is made possible by the diverse commitment of the staff, who prepared for the day with creativity, perseverance, and careful planning.
The highlight of the day is a fashion show themed “Chic on a Budget.” Flora Daniel, one of the organizers of the Hofmarkt, presents donated clothing with a beaming smile. She is supported by a friend, a colleague, and a resident from the Kapellenstraße housing facility, who strides confidently through the hall.
With happy smiles in the eyes of everyone involved, the courtyard market comes to a close in the early evening. Anyone who’d like to come back can do so every Thursday, when the “Open House” at the Contact and Counseling Center opens its doors from 2 to 4 p.m. on Hellmundstraße. (lr)