Talking is the first step
Social issues
The aim of the telephone service malreden is to alleviate the loneliness experienced by elderly people, at least for a moment. The volunteers staffing the lines listen without judging, taking the caller seriously and treating them with respect. Talking about loneliness and other difficulties really helps.
Volunteering with malreden is also rewarding for the listeners, starting with the three-day training course before they take their first call. It is important that the volunteers feel comfortable when on a call and can identify and maintain boundaries should a call become difficult. Volunteer wellbeing during each assignment is also prioritized by means of ongoing support and constructive dialog.
“Working with malreden has been an extremely gratifying experience and it’s hugely satisfying to know I’ve done something good for lonely people by listening to them. There have been many interesting conversations that have really broadened my horizons. It’s been very enjoyable and fulfilling,” confirms Sandra, who has been volunteering with malreden since December 2022.
“I’ve achieved my personal goal if the callers feel better at the end of the call than they did at the beginning. It’s really amazing how much difference listening to lonely people can make.”
malreden ist ein telefonisches Gesprächsangebot des Vereins Silbernetz Schweiz für ältere Menschen, das täglich von 9 - 20 Uhr unter der Gratisnummer 0800 890 890 erreichbar ist. Geschulte Freiwillige hören zu und ermutigen zur Selbsthilfe. Das dreiteilige Angebot besteht aus einem Alltagstelefon, einem Gesprächstandem und der Infovermittlung zu weiteren passenden Angeboten. Alle Anrufe sind kostenlos, anonym und vertraulich. malreden versteht sich als niederschwellige Ergänzung zu den bestehenden Angeboten des Sozial- und Gesundheitswesens und entlastet Akteure im Bereich Alter.