18-27 year old young adults

Young adults have access to support services for personal matters as well as questions about education, housing, or financial security. These include general social counseling, youth migration services, psychosocial counseling centers, the youth employment agency, and open youth work programs for those up to the age of 27. Many of these services are free of charge and, if desired, anonymous. The counseling centers provide support with, among other things, dealing with official matters, clarifying entitlements, entering the workforce, or overcoming personal challenges.

Depending on their circumstances, students and trainees can apply for BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) or vocational training assistance (BAB). Young people who are unemployed or in transitional phases can receive citizen's income under certain conditions. Support such as housing benefit, child benefit, or benefits from the Education and Participation Package are also available if the requirements are met. Advisory centers – such as youth employment agencies or social welfare offices – can help provide an overview and assist with submitting the appropriate applications.

The housing market is also challenging for young people. Those in difficult situations – for example, after moving out of their parents' home, after a separation, or facing homelessness – can contact housing placement agencies or youth services. There, they will work together to determine whether support services such as supported living, housing assistance, or emergency shelters are suitable.

There are psychosocial services available, such as helplines, online counseling, psychological counseling centers, specialized services for young people, and services offered by clinics. These provide support with issues like stress, anxiety about the future, feeling overwhelmed, conflicts, grief, or mental illness. Many facilities offer easily accessible, free, and, if desired, anonymous counseling. In acute emergencies, such as situations involving self-harm, emergency hotlines and psychiatric crisis services are available 24/7.

The Bremen Youth Employment Agency is a central point of contact for all questions regarding school, vocational training, university studies, career guidance, and job searching – even if an apprenticeship has already been discontinued or there are uncertainties. Universities also offer academic advising. Independent organizations provide support with creating applications, finding internships or apprenticeships, and guidance when one's future path is still unclear. Specialized counseling services are available for young people with disabilities or health limitations regarding participation in working life.

Care leavers are young people who have spent part of their lives in residential care, for example in foster families, group homes or residential facilities, and then leave this support – usually because they come of age or begin to lead an independent life.

SOS Children's Village Bremen operates "Careleaver Bremen," a specialized drop-in center and counseling service open to everyone between the ages of 16 and 27, regardless of their previous youth welfare provider. The center specifically addresses questions about housing, finances, education, university studies, and everyday life. The counseling is free and confidential. The Youth Employment Agency, local counseling centers, and child welfare services can also provide support during the transition to adulthood.

In Bremen, there are several resources and contact points that can help clarify the situation and open up new perspectives. The Youth Welfare Office can provide counseling, support, or outpatient services, such as social-pedagogical family support, school social worker services, crisis intervention in cases of conflict or school refusal. The Bremen Family Network can help you find the right service!