contents
A project in Bern offers support to lonely people – a service that is in demand.
Eve Bino came up with the idea of a hotline for older people a long time ago. In her everyday work, the physiotherapist repeatedly encountered people who were lonely. People who had hardly any social contacts, except for a visit to the physiotherapist, among other things. “That kept me busy – and I wanted to do something,” says the native of Bern.
The concept of “Malreden” by the Silbernetz association is aimed explicitly at older people, i.e. people over 60. “The opportunities to exchange ideas decrease with age.” However, the co-director emphasizes that younger people are also increasingly affected by loneliness. She therefore does not rule out making an offer for younger people one day.
The idea of setting up a “chatter hotline”, as the co-initiator calls it, came to her before Corona. In April a year ago, after a certain amount of preparation, we were able to start. Around 250 discussions take place every month – and the trend is rising. From March, the phone will be open longer via 0800 890 890, from morning to evening. There are also so-called “tandems”: weekly talks where people can exchange ideas with the volunteers.
Loneliness not only because of Corona
Corona has encouraged the idea of doing something about loneliness. “Public interest in the topic has increased thanks to Corona – that helps us,” says Eve Bino, addressing, among other things, looking for donations and support from various institutions. But loneliness existed before Corona and will continue to be an issue in the future. “It’s a social problem,” said the 46-year-old.
Around 40 people are working on «painting talks». So far, more people have signed up than necessary. “The topic of loneliness affects people who want to get involved,” Eve Bino suspects, “and it’s also a great opportunity for our volunteers to exchange ideas.”