Hamm Familienrathaus

Hamm

Family-Friendly Municipality 2024: A Focus on Family-Friendliness

On the Way to Becoming Germany's Most Family-Friendly City

With a population of approximately 180,000, located between the Ruhr region, Münsterland, Sauerland, and the Soester Börde, Hamm is fully committed to being family-friendly. Local policy here is designed with families in mind, and Hamm has therefore launched a strategic initiative with the stated goal of becoming the “most family-friendly city.” A dedicated office is driving these efforts forward.

Family-friendliness is a top priority

Germany’s first Family Town Hall is located in Hamm. It is intended to benefit, in particular, the approximately 18,000 family households in the city that have at least one child under the age of 18. One in seven family households, with three or more children, is even considered a large family.

The needs of single parents have also been taken into account. In Hamm, they receive support through a wide range of services, opportunities for interaction, and dedicated contact persons, among other things.

2024 State Award for Family-Friendly Communities

The Family Town Hall—the first of its kind in Germany—and the “radical” shift in perspective on local politics, which places the family at the center of administrative thinking, convinced the jury. At the "Family-Friendly Municipality 2024" state award, Hamm won in the "Large City" category.

Here, we present some of the city’s offerings. Further information, links to the project descriptions, and details about the North Rhine-Westphalia State Award can be found in the sidebar.

Family-Friendly Activities in Hamm

  1. Family Resource Center

    The Family Town Hall can be seen as a unique feature of Hamm’s municipal administration. It offers services and solutions for families in a centralized, integrated manner and serves as a “one-stop shop” for family-related administrative procedures. It also facilitates contact with support structures and networks. A Family Service Desk serves as the central point of contact.

    The Family Town Hall and an overall family-friendly strategy were developed with the participation of families from Hamm as well as academic experts. In addition, a digital Family Town Hall is currently under development.

  2. "JuBA" Youth Career Agency, Hamm

    The Hamm Youth Career Agency “JuBA” provides guidance for the transition from school to work. Staff members from the Employment Agency, the Job Center, and the Youth Welfare Office help young people find a suitable career and the corresponding internship, apprenticeship, or college spot. “JuBA” is also there to listen to personal problems in everyday life, at school, and at home. The agency also collaborates with schools in Hamm and local businesses.

  3. Family Advisory Board

    The Family Advisory Council, a body independent of political influence, is intended to reflect the diversity of families in Hamm and serves as a forum for dialogue among its members and with the administration.

The Other Award-Winning Municipalities for 2024

The cities of Gladbeck and Brühl, the district of Düren with its 15 member cities, and the municipalities of Windeck and Dörentrup were also recognized for their innovative, family-friendly initiatives . The projects range from family-oriented intergenerational initiatives to family-friendly city halls.

  • Gladbeck

    Family-Friendly Community 2024: A Young, Diverse, and Family-Friendly City

  • Brühl

    Family-Friendly Municipality 2024: Committed to a City That Is Child- and People-Friendly

  • Düren District

    Family-Friendly Community 2024: An Attractive Living Environment for Families

More Information Activities for Families in Hamm

The Family Resource Center offers all families in Hamm a wide range of information and support services—all in one convenient location, with no need to travel far.

Hamm Family Counseling Center

The team at the Hamm Youth Employment Agency (JuBa) advises and supports young people to help them on their path to an independent life.

JuBA

The Family Advisory Council, a body independent of political influence, is intended to reflect the diversity of families in Hamm and serves as a forum for dialogue among families and with the municipal administration.

Family Advisory Board

“Single Parent, but Not Alone!” provides an overview of the wide range of services available to single parents in Hamm.

A single parent, but not alone!

With the YouCardHamm, families can easily access approved benefits from the education and participation package.

YouCardHamm

More Information Video of the winning community

YouTube

The video from our winning municipality, Hamm, impressively demonstrates the kinds of family-friendly municipal services that can be offered locally.

YouTube

More Information Links for Further Reading

“We Embrace Diversity”: Under this motto, the Ministry of Family Affairs in North Rhine-Westphalia has established a state award for municipalities that are particularly committed to meeting the needs of families.

State Award for Municipalities Press Release dated September 18, 2024

Whether it’s people living together in different types of households and living arrangements, the diversity of family life, varied educational and career paths, or different immigration histories: diversity is part of North Rhine-Westphalia’s DNA.

Diversity in North Rhine-Westphalia: Facts and Figures