Silbernetz operates the Silbertelefon hotline for people aged 60 and over, a resource founded in 2014 in Berlin and now serving nationwide.

organizers say the growth stems largely from increased awareness of the service, with many callers simply seeking someone to talk to rather than a rise in loneliness.

Hamburg has seen a notable jump in calls, rising to 5,283 in 2025 from 4,802 in 2024, reflecting broader awareness and outreach.

Some callers rely on Silbertelefon as their sole regular contact, reaching out almost daily or during illness.

Most callers want to talk (about 95%), with physical complaints, loneliness, and positive feedback also commonly reported.

Volunteers staff the hotline daily from 8:00 to 22:00 at the nationwide number 0800 4 70 80 90, offering conversations even when there isn't an acute crisis.

Beyond spontaneous chats, Silbernetz arranges regular telephone friendships and provides information about local senior services.

Spokesperson Amira Mahdi notes Hamburg’s rise reflects greater awareness rather than a spike in loneliness.

Since its founding in 2014, Silbernetz has expanded to a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing senior loneliness.

In Schleswig-Holstein, calls rose by 35 percent year over year to over 4,650 in the previous year, signaling strong regional growth.