Feeling lonely during the holidays? Minister points to available services - Feeling lonely during the holidays? Minister points to available services
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is urging residents to support those facing loneliness during the Christmas holidays. Social Affairs Minister Stefanie Drese has highlighted available services and called on communities to check in on neighbours. While no official events are listed for December 2025 in the region, several organisations are stepping in to offer companionship and shared meals.
Minister Drese stressed that no one should spend Christmas alone. She encouraged people to reach out for help or offer their time to others. Support services include the Silbernetz holiday hotline for over-60s, available toll-free from 8:00 AM on Christmas Eve until 10:00 PM on New Year’s Day at 0800 470 80 90.
For younger people, Jugendnotmail provides email and chat support, while the Malteser Plaudernetz offers a listening ear daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at 0800 330 1111. The Wege aus der Einsamkeit association will also host a digital Christmas celebration on December 25 for those preferring remote options. Local groups are organising festive meetups and meals. The Volkssolidarität in Ludwigslust and Parchim, the St. Anna parish and Caritas in Schwerin, and the andersARTick community centre in Barth are all hosting gatherings. Private hosts are also connecting with guests through the Keine(r)BleibtAllein initiative.
While no formal events appear in December 2025 listings, multiple services and community efforts aim to reduce holiday loneliness. Residents can access hotlines, digital gatherings, or in-person meals to ensure companionship during the festive season. Minister Drese’s call for solidarity reinforces the message that support is available for anyone in need.
