Berks County Office of Aging

Isn’t it amazing how easily we can talk to strangers?

Berks Talkline volunteers have played a role for thousands of berks countians since 1990, providing a confidential, non-judgmental listening ear for everyone who needs to talk.

First established for kids, the service expanded to serve adults in January of 1998 with a separate call-in line. All calls are free.

If you call Berks Talkline, a volunteer who has completed a 38-hour training course in listening skills and conflict resolution will answer the phone. He or she will listen to whatever is on your mind. You can talk through a problem together.

If seniors need assistance finding counseling, contacting a senior center, arranging for meals to be delivered to your home, a volunteer will help find the services needed.

And if a senior just wants to chat, one can do that, too. Calls to talkline are confidential. We will not intervene except under two conditions: if someone is abusing you or you have done something to hurt yourself. Talkline staff is then required to get help for you. Help can only be summoned, of course, if you have given the phone volunteer identifying information about yourself, such as your full name and address. It is up to you to decide if you choose to provide that information; consequently, it’s up to you to decide how you want the situation to unfold.

Berks Talkline for adults answers calls at (610) 929-3999 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. For more information or to volunteer, call the Berks Talkline administrative office at (610) 921-9820 or email them at btalkline@aol.com.

For more information about the Berks County Office of Aging's Programs or Services please call (610) 478-6500 or visit the Berks County Office of Aging, County Services Center, 633 Court Street, Reading, Pa 19601-4303.