Open Ear During Holidays – Offers Against Loneliness

Open Ear During Holidays - Offers Against Loneliness - Open Ear During Holidays - Offers Against Loneliness

The festive season can bring loneliness for many, especially older residents, as shops close and social contact drops. To help, the Silbertelefon hotline will run from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day, offering free, confidential support to those aged 60 and over.

The Silbertelefon service, operated by Silbernetz, will be available from 8:00 AM on December 24 until 10:00 PM on January 1. Callers can reach the hotline at 0800 4 70 80 90. Organisers expect a 20% rise in calls compared to last year’s holiday period.

A team of 15 full-time staff and around 65 volunteers will manage the service. Between two and twelve operators will be on duty at any given time, depending on demand. Meanwhile, local groups are also hosting in-person events. The *Biesdorf Neighborhood Center* will hold a Christmas Eve gathering with games, music, and food, but attendees must register in advance by phone. The *Waidmannslust* congregation in Reinickendorf will welcome guests for a shared meal, music, and conversation, with prior sign-ups required. At *Rudow’s Village Church*, a traditional Christmas meal of potato salad and sausages will be served, though spaces are limited and must be booked ahead. The annual Biesdorf district Christmas party is organised by civic associations, including *Heimatverein Marzahn-Hellersdorf e.V.* and *Freunde Schloss Biesdorf e.V.* These groups regularly run festive events with games, music, and seasonal food.

The hotline and community events aim to provide companionship during a time when many feel isolated. Those needing support can call the Silbertelefon for a listening ear, while local gatherings offer food, conversation, and shared activities. Registration is required for all in-person events to ensure enough space and supplies.