A friendly voice is only a call away for the elderly in the Basque Country

‘Silver Line’ has been around 20 years but deserves to be better-known

Nagusilan is the name of a non-profit organization dedicated to providing social care services to retired people in the Basque region of Spain. Its landmark project, called ‘Hilo de Plata’ (‘Silver Thread’ or ‘Silver Line’), was begun back in the year 2000 and it is worth distinguishing for its attendance to the social needs of people of the third age, who might be experiencing loneliness at home. This kind of issue has always been present and this year it was exacerbated by the impact of the restrictive measures.

With almost 5500 calls made by lonely people to this helpline during the months of March and April, it is considered to have shown why such service is sorely needed in any society. However, The Basque Government and regional municipalities agree that this service also has to receive a much wider recognition, which is why a new promotional campaign has been announced to that end. It is called “There are some calls that change your life”.

Social isolation can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing

The ‘Silver Line’ project has been run by volunteers who are also usually seniors themselves. However, in 2019, it was decided to professionalize this experience with the addition of a professional social worker to the team.

It turned out that this was a timely decision since the following year with the unexpected arrival of the coronavirus pandemic the feeling of loneliness and isolation was rampant among many of the seniors who lived alone at home and with that the demand for this kind of service, which could provide companionship and a friendly ear without jeopardizing their health status.

Promotional posters and images of the campaign will be posted on bus shelters, printed press, websites, leaflets and cards in the whole Basque Country.