Loneliness is a quiet companion for many seniors who often spend their days without contact with others.
That's exactly why the Voláme Srdcem project was created.
It was founded by Michal and Iva Mackanič, whose personal and professional experiences inspired them to offer lonely people what they need most — time, attention, and a friendly voice on the other end of the line.

In the following interview, you'll learn how the project began, whom it helps, and why a single phone call can sometimes change an entire day.

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How Did the Voláme Srdcem Project Begin?

The Voláme Srdcem project was born from both our family and professional experience.
For many years, we cared for our loved ones and saw how important it is to have someone nearby who listens and is simply there.
Our closest family members were lucky — they had us, and therefore didn't feel loneliness as deeply.
But we realized that many other seniors don't have such support and often spend their days completely alone.

Loneliness affects about 25% of seniors, and among people over 80, the number rises to as high as 40%.
Research also shows that regular social contact helps reduce the risk of various illnesses, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

My long-time work in a call center also played a major role.
I spoke with dozens of people every day and saw firsthand how powerful a voice, tone, and simple human word can be.
Combining that professional experience with the personal understanding that came from caring for family led us to a simple realization — that a friendly, regular phone call can be much more than a pleasant moment.
It can be a real source of emotional support for seniors and anyone who feels lonely.

That's how Voláme Srdcem gradually came to life — a service that combines human warmth, understanding, and professionalism.
Our goal is to help older people feel safe, know that someone truly cares about them, and bring a smile to their faces through something as simple as a phone call.

Can You Introduce Voláme Srdcem to Our Readers?

Voláme Srdcem offers regular friendly phone calls to lonely people — mostly seniors.
It's not a crisis hotline or professional counseling.
It's mainly about having someone to talk to, laugh with, share everyday joys and worries, reminisce, or even exchange recipes 😊.

Our mission is to bring joy, a sense of security, and the feeling that no one is truly alone — like having a friend on the phone.

The project also brings relief to families caring for aging parents or grandparents.
Many belong to the so-called "sandwich generation" — they care for their own children while also supporting their elderly parents, often while juggling work and home responsibilities.
Thanks to our calls, families know that their loved ones have someone who regularly checks in, listens, and brightens their day.
That brings them peace of mind, reassurance, and a bit more time for themselves.

We also want to make sure that this opportunity — to have a kind voice on the phone — is not a privilege only for those who can afford it.
That's why we provide free calls for seniors who otherwise couldn't pay for the service.
And here, the support of individuals and companies is incredibly important.
Every donation or partnership means one more senior who won't be alone — and that's a value no number can express.

How Can Voláme Srdcem Help Family Caregivers?

Family caregivers often carry enormous responsibility (I know this from personal experience).
They look after their loved ones while managing work, the household, and their own families.
Such care is exhausting — there's rarely time to rest, and it's easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed.

Voláme Srdcem can be a great support for caregivers.
They know that their parent or grandparent has regular contact with someone who listens, talks with them, and brings joy into their day.
With the family's consent, we also provide gentle feedback after calls — reassuring relatives that their loved one is doing well, feels happy, or perhaps misses someone.
This not only comforts the senior but also provides relief and peace of mind for caregivers, helping them breathe a little easier and remember they're not alone.

This feeling of shared care is truly invaluable for families.
Even a short call can ease daily worries and become a small but meaningful form of support.

How Do You Select and Train Your Operators?

Our operators are not "typical call center agents."
They are people with empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to listen.
The most important qualities for us are sensitivity, calmness, and the ability to create a natural, human connection.
It's not only about speaking well — it's about truly listening.
Kindness, encouragement, and bringing a positive mood to the conversation are key.
Seniors must always feel genuine interest and the assurance that someone on the other end understands and values them.

Every new operator goes through thorough training, focused on how to lead a friendly conversation, handle different situations, and adapt to each senior's needs.
A major part of the preparation involves empathy and active listening practice.

We also hold regular workshops to strengthen communication skills and emotional awareness.
In the future, we plan to include sessions with a psychologist, helping operators better understand seniors' needs while maintaining their own mental well-being.

Our goal is that every call feels like a pleasant, genuine human encounter, leaving seniors with a sense of comfort and certainty — knowing there is someone on the other end who is there just for them.

Would You Like to Add Anything Else?

I'd like to emphasize that Voláme Srdcem is not only about phone calls — it's about the feeling of closeness that can change an entire day.
It brings joy to seniors and gives peace of mind to their families, who know their loved ones are regularly in touch with someone who cares.

And then there are seniors who truly have no one.
For them, our call might be the only human voice they hear that day — someone wishing them a good morning, listening, or sharing a little laughter.
These moments mean the world; they remind people that they are not forgotten and that someone still cares.

We are deeply grateful for the support of individuals and companies that allows us to offer calls even to those who couldn't afford them.
Every contribution represents a real story — a real senior who no longer feels alone.

And one more thing: we are real people.
Every call is made by a living, empathetic operator, not by artificial intelligence or automation.
On the other end of the line, there is always someone who truly listens, understands, and genuinely wants to bring a little joy.

If any of the readers would like to help, we would be immensely grateful — whether through a donation, partnership, sharing information about the project, or supporting our public collection.
Sometimes, it really takes very little — even one phone call can bring a smile and remind someone that they are not alone.

Michal and Iva Mackanič
on behalf of the Voláme Srdcem team 💛