Inclusion officer Alfons Wecker

It's been official since mid-September 2022: Alfons Wecker is the Inclusion Officer for the town of Lüdinghausen. The 52-year-old pensioner and recovery counselor wants to be a mediator, advocate for the problems and concerns of those affected and help remove barriers and hurdles. These are major goals that he has set himself. Wecker will be supported in his new tasks both by administrative staff and by many active members of the public, organizations and associations.

"It is important to me to stand up for other people affected who may not have the necessary knowledge," explains Wecker. "People can contact me with questions of any kind and I will then try to find out more and help them." Of course, he doesn't know everything yet, but he is used to familiarizing himself with new things. He enjoys reading up on various topics and finding out about them. He likes to keep up to date with what's currently on people's minds via social networks. Anja Kleykamp

His main goal is to use his own experience as an expert to advocate for an inclusive Lüdinghausen. Wecker is good at putting himself in the shoes of those affected, listening to them and making his voice heard. "I want to meet those affected and the decision-makers on a human and political level as equals," says Wecker.

The field of work of an inclusion officer is very diverse. "People with visual impairments, for example, have very different needs to people with physical disabilities," explains Wecker. He is also concerned about integrating illiterate people into the world of work. "The field of inclusion is huge and it's about giving everyone a fair chance to participate," says the Lüdinghausen native.

The wide range of experience he has already gained in the field of inclusion will certainly help him in his future tasks. For example, Wecker himself completed an apprenticeship at a vocational training center for people with disabilities. In 2018, Wecker trained as a recovery counselor and in recent years has been involved in working groups and at various levels - both in the district of Coesfeld and in the town of Lüdinghausen - to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Now, his first priority is to introduce himself further in Lüdinghausen and to network. "It is very important to me that I am and want to remain independent," emphasizes Wecker. "I don't belong to any party and am equally approachable for all people." Anja Kleykamp

Infos: Alfons Wecker offers consultation hours every first and third Thursday of the month from 9 am to 12.30 pm in room A 010 in the old town hall building. He can be reached at these times on 02591 / 926-600. His email address is alfons.wecker@gmail.com.