The BE-lives independently

First project
BE-lebt was the first project to rent a shop in 2021 as part of the NRW funding "Sofortprogramm Innenstadt". Now the non-profit entrepreneurial company has signed its own lease for the location in Weststraße.

The funding principle
During the funding phase, the city of Beckum rented the building and paid a large part of the rent. The owners also moved in and waived part of the rent. The aim of the funding programme is to promote innovative business ideas with low entrepreneurial risk. With its current independence, BE-lebt has fully fulfilled the intention of the funding programme.

20 volunteers work for BE-lebt
The shop at the entrance to the pedestrian zone has enjoyed great popularity since its launch in 2021. The 20 or so helpers in the shop work for free, the project is purely financed by donations. On the nicely decorated sales floor, customers can find a wide range of fair trade products as well as handicrafts and goods from the region. The range of products changes every quarter.

Further activities
The offer is supplemented by activities such as an organised bicycle tour or thematic workshops. In addition, the volunteers of BE-lebt are involved in the Beckum Senior Citizens' Policy Working Group (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Beckumer Altenpolitik, AG BAP). Within this framework, BE-lebt has taken over the responsibility for applying for and using funds from the long-term care insurance for preventive projects for older people. Thus, this year BE-lebt supports various courses such as the GESTALT movement courses, neighbourhood assistance courses, educational offers or the heart consultation hour.

"Since we don't have any rooms for activities, we are very happy and grateful that we are allowed to use the district centres for this purpose," says chairperson Eggi Steinhoff.

Contact:
If you are interested in helping out, please contact 02521 8282150 or info@be-lebt.de. Further information at www.be-lebt.de.