Open Ear During Holidays - Offers Against Loneliness - Open Ear During Holidays - Offers Against Loneliness
Christmas can be a difficult time for those feeling isolated. To help, Berlin is offering a range of events and support services for people spending the holidays alone. From shared meals to a dedicated hotline, organisers are working to ensure no one has to face the festive season without company or assistance.
Several churches and community centres across the city will open their doors on Christmas Eve. The Ev. Auenkirchengemeinde in Wilmersdorf will host a gathering from 3 PM to 6 PM, while the Ev. Trinitatis-Kirche in Charlottenburg welcomes visitors at 7 PM. In Reinickendorf, the Waidmannslust congregation will provide food, music, and conversation from 7 PM to 10:30 PM, though guests must sign up beforehand.
The Gemeindezentrum Rudow will serve a traditional German Christmas meal of potato salad and sausages starting at 5:30 PM. Organisers there have asked attendees to register in advance to ensure enough food is prepared. Meanwhile, the Biesdorf Neighborhood Center will offer games, music, and refreshments, with prior phone registration required. For those who prefer to stay at home, the **Silbertelefon** hotline will operate from 8:00 AM on December 24 until 10:00 PM on New Year’s Day. The free, anonymous service is aimed at people aged 60 and over. A team of 15 full-time staff and around 65 volunteers will handle calls, with two to twelve operators available at any time. Demand is expected to rise, with a predicted 20% increase in calls over the holiday period.
The events and hotline provide practical support for Berliners facing loneliness during Christmas. Organisers have planned meals, activities, and listening services to ensure people have options for companionship. Registration details and the Silbertelefon number (0800 4 70 80 90) are available for those seeking assistance.
