Press release

August 20, 2026, No. 128

Double the luck, double the challenge

Family mentors give the gift of their time—in a simple way and as equals

Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District. When the Wagner family’s twins were born, there was great joy—and the family’s daily life changed completely overnight. The family had moved to the district shortly before. The grandparents live several hours away by car, and a local social network had yet to be established. Two babies at once, plus a child in preschool—a situation many families are familiar with.

For the past few weeks, the family has been receiving support from a family mentor. Once a week, she spends two hours with the older son, doing puzzles with him or taking him out to the garden. For the mother, this time provides much-needed relief. “It’s only two hours,” she says, “but those two hours carry me through the whole week.”

This is exactly where the family mentor program comes in: Volunteers support families in their daily lives—reliably, respectfully, and without bureaucratic hurdles. They give their time, listen, and provide support wherever relief is needed. This isn’t about crises or emergencies, but rather the everyday challenges of family life.

No special prior knowledge is required to volunteer. All interested individuals will receive free preparation for their role in advance through a six-part training program based on the curriculum of the Bavarian Family Mentors Network. The training covers the basics, builds confidence for the role, and provides an opportunity for discussion.

You can join the program at any time of the year. Those interested can register with the Family Support Office at any time—even if a new training date has not yet been set. The Family Support Office will provide information about the process and refer you to the appropriate location within the county.

Anyone interested in supporting families with a little time and a kind heart is warmly invited to get in touch.

Interested or have questions? Family Support Office , Department of Youth and Family Affairs, Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office – Email: familienfoerderung@lra-toelz.de. Find locations near you at www.lra-toelz.de → Search for “Familienpaten.”

Sabine Schmid
Press spokeswoman
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office