TOthis year too, while the house lights are turned on for the holidays Christmas holidays and families gather around the laid tables, the Telefono Amico Italia volunteers prepare for their special mission: Don’t leave anyone alone. From sunset on Christmas Eve until midnight on Boxing Day, hundreds of friendly voices will respond to those seeking comfort.
Telefono Amico, 600 volunteers for those who are alone at Christmas
The organization is – for over 60 years – a fundamental point of reference for those seeking comfort and listeningand their service proves to be extremely valuable every year: «Christmas amplifies every emotion – explains Cristina Rigon, president of Telefono Amico Italia – For those who are alone, the weight of isolation becomes even more oppressive. Being present in these moments is not just a service, it is a mission of humanity.”
A precious service, for 60 years
A mission that has evolved over time: from September 2024, in fact, the service has extended its hoursstarting to accept calls from 9 am on Christmas Eve. But 2024 also brings with it another significant innovation: its name TAG – Telefono Amico Generation, an initiative that gave voice to 37 young volunteers under 40. These “digital angels” operate remotely, alongside traditional territorial centers in a support network that covers the entire country.
AND their testimonies paint a poignant picture of the reality they face: «Loneliness is not only physical – says Chiara – Often those who call us are surrounded by people, but feel a deep existential void. Becoming their travel companions, even just for one night, is an experience that changes your life.”
Telefono Amico Italia, for over 60 years, has been a point of reference for those seeking comfort and listening, especially during the Christmas holidays (Getty Images)
Many people pick up the phone
The numbers from last Christmas speak clearly, and tell stories of loneliness, but also of hope: 629 people found the courage to pick up the phoneon average one call every six minutes. 91% chose the traditional telephone (02-2327.2327), while WhatsApp Amico and the Mail@mica service collected 6% and 3% of requests respectively. The phenomenon knows no gender distinctions, but sees a prevalence in the age group between 56 and 65 years (22%), followed by those between 46 and 55 years (21%) and between 36 and 45 years ( 20%).
The reasons why people turn to Telefono Amico
Loneliness and the need for company (31%) lead the list of motivationsfollowed by existential problems (11%) and difficulties in family relationships (10%). As Martina, another volunteer, says: «During Christmas Eve, when the world celebrates joy, there are those who fight with desperation. Being there to listen becomes fundamental.”
The Friendly Agenda, thoughts of hope
This year, the association is also launching a special initiative: theFriendly Agenda 2025created with Gruppo Albatros Il Filo. Not a simple calendar, but a collection of 365 thoughts of hope, collected there World Suicide Prevention Dayduring which passers-by were asked to share a thought that could be of help to those experiencing a difficult time.
How to become a friendly voice
The organization, which already has over 600 volunteers in 20 local centers, continues to grow. If you want to join this solidarity chain you can start by writing to [email protected]. A six-month training course prepares future volunteers for this delicate task, while the doors of the TAG virtual center are open for young people between 18 and 40 years old.
In an age where technology connects us but often isolates us, Telefono Amico Italia proves that one voice is enough, a sincere listento illuminate even the darkest night. Because at Christmas, like every other day of the year, no one should feel alone.
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