Help for children and young people with caregiving responsibilities
Pausentaste is an information and support service for children and young people who regularly care for a family member. They are also known as young carers. This might be the case, for example, if a parent is seriously or chronically ill, a sibling has a disability, or grandparents need support and care.
The additional responsibility can significantly impact daily life. School, leisure activities, and friendships must be balanced with family responsibilities. Sometimes, worries, stress, feeling overwhelmed, anxiety, grief, or loneliness are added to the mix. On Pause Button, other young caregivers share their experiences.
The portal provides information about support options and helps users find suitable contacts and counseling services. Through a partnership with the "Nummer gegen Kummer" (Number Against Sorrow) helpline, children and young people can receive free and anonymous counseling by phone or online. It also includes a search function for local counseling centers, groups, workshops, and caregiving advice services.
The aim of Pausentaste is to relieve young people with caregiving responsibilities, to make their situation visible and to show them where they can get support.