The integration attendants working in the project came to INTEGRA and reported on women who have lived in Germany for a long time, but their linguistic, cultural and social integration is nevertheless not yet successful (remedial integration) and therefore they are at risk of mental illness (preventive work). These women need support in everyday life. Because of this problem the project was developed. The aim was to provide for these women opportunities to participate in the life of the host society: by language courses, by raising awareness of their own situation, (formulate wishes, "biographical work"), by developing future prospects. The project built on the experience of integration companions who had received training as Elternlotse (help for parents) and educational institutions have been active as a bridge builder between immigrant families and educational institutions. The basis for the work was also the network built by INTEGRA, with partners such as Integration Office of the city with its offers, contacts to the Office of migration advice and the protestant charitable organisation "Diakonie".

Women with a migration background living in Germany for a long time but whose linguistic, cultural and social integration is nevertheless not yet successful (remedial integration) and therefore are at risk of developing mental illness (preventive work). 24 women took part in the project.

The following actions were taken: voluntary integration attendants meet 1 to 3 women usually two hours a week over a period of 30 weeks (deducted special holidays, Lent). Every year, 8 to 12 women in the tandem receive the long or short term advice of five volunteers (= 24 to 36 women during the project period). At the regular meeting, the tandems can talk about their daily lives and everyday culture, differences and similarities.

During the project period 24 women were advised. More women were informed about our work and referred to professional counseling services. A lot of the women have been able to cope with their daily lives independently. Some continue to attend professional counseling. The target group wishes for the further support of the companions. There are women who are new and want to be accompanied. Concrete results were, for example: two women learned with their integration companions to drive and have passed their driving test. A woman has mentally recovered to the extent that she could begin a geriatric nurse training. Every woman has found her own individual path, which is for INTEGRA of particular importance.

An external evaluation was not planned for this low budget project. Internally, the evaluation was carried out on the regularly scheduled supervision by a family therapist. The project had, however, hardly be modified, since the aim and the work was clearly defined. Side effects were: through the support of the women, the whole family was strengthened, too.

The project was submitted to the Interior Ministry of Baden-Wurttemberg and was taken over by the Ministry of Integration later. It is a subproject of a project of the Interior Ministry. The entire project was funded by the Baden-Wurttemberg Foundation. Personnel and material costs: Staff costs: € 7,740.00; overhead costs: € 15,060.00 Of these, 16.67% own contribution: € 4,800.00 Amount to promote: € 18,000.00 Staff: 5 Integration attendants, project management, supervision and training by family therapist.