House of Representatives - CDU parliamentary group wants to introduce day against loneliness
The Berlin CDU-Faction urges the Senate to designate December 16 as the "Day of Loneliness." This is intended to draw attention to the issue city-wide, according to a resolution passed by the legislators during their retreat in Oberursel, Hesse. "Loneliness is becoming a part of everyday life for an increasing number of Berliners."
One in ten Berliners is affected by loneliness
"One in ten inhabitants of our city is affected by social loneliness and can suffer from its consequences," argue the CDU legislators in their resolution text. Seniors and the elderly are particularly affected by loneliness due to poverty and are even more exposed to the risk of isolation through social exclusion than other demographic groups.
There is a special need for support. In the Christmas season, loneliness is particularly noticeable. "The 16th of December thus forms a symbolic bridge," the reasoning for the choice of date during Advent goes.
Loneliness is associated with shame feelings
Among the affected, loneliness is often perceived as a strongly stigmatizing topic. For many people, loneliness goes hand in hand with shame feelings. "The 'Day of Loneliness' is intended to sensitize society as a whole to the issue and make supportive offers visible throughout Berlin."
The CDU-Faction has been engaged with topics ranging from migration to the future of the Berlin-Brandenburg Willy Brandt Airport during their three-day retreat in Oberursel since Friday and has passed resolutions for future parliamentary work on these issues.
The CDU-Faction's retreat in Oberursel, Hesse, led to a resolution declaring December 16 as the "Day of Loneliness" in Berlin. This is to raise awareness about the growing issue of loneliness, affecting one in ten Berliners, particularly the elderly and senior population. For those experiencing loneliness, it often comes with feelings of shame, making it a stigmatized topic. The 'Day of Loneliness' aims to sensitize society and make support offers more visible throughout the city.
