We still support the idea of a European number for the elderly
WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN HARMONISED NUMBER FOR THE ELDERLY?
The European Harmonised Number (EHN) is a service with added social value that is available within the EU under a single telephone number. 116 XXX telephone numbers are reserved for social value added services. A harmonised service with social value is a service that corresponds to a common description, that is available to individuals on a toll-free number, that has potential value for visitors from other countries and that responds to a specific social need, in particular contributing to the well-being or security of citizens or specific groups of citizens or helping citizens in difficulty. The establishment of such a service may not be mandatory for all States.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF THE EHC
The legal basis for harmonised numbers for harmonised services of social value are the following European Commission Decisions: 2007/116/EC and 2007/698/EC
REASONS FOR SETTING UP AN EHC FOR THE ELDERLY 116 100
- According to the European Commission's strategy (Victim's Rights: New Strategy to empower victims), older people are particularly vulnerable victims and this status helps them to have equal access to rights and prevents secondary victimisation. A single crisis helpline number would have the same preventive function.
- Seniors in old age usually face health problems that may result in impaired mobility, orientation, self-sufficiency, access to valid information or sources of support.
- A significant proportion of seniors do not use the Internet as a source of information and practical help in a crisis situation; this group of people is vulnerable to a lack of valid information and is more easily threatened by false information.
- Seniors are also the group most at risk of loneliness and loss of natural social support. People without natural social support are less able to cope with stress and crisis situations.
- In a crisis situation, the option of using a free crisis helpline is the first step in getting qualified help and support, through interpersonal contact, which is the preferred option by seniors as opposed to written text. This form of assistance is low-threshold, overcoming barriers to mobility. An easy-to-remember number in a uniform European format ensures that seniors have equal access to help, support and information.
- The uniform European number format is a clear guarantee of a quality service for callers (as opposed to a commercial freephone number).
- The definition of a single harmonised number for the elderly sends an important signal to the elderly that they are considered a respected part of society. The decision on the EHN will also send an important political signal at European and national level about the importance we attach to the protection of older people, as well as a tribute to the emancipatory efforts of generations of older people who are not merely passive recipients of assistance but, under conditions of good support, maintain their competences and acquire and develop new ones.
PROGRESS TO DATE:
- Elpida Senior Citizens' Line, o.p.s. submitted a proposal to the Czech Telecommunication Office on 29 July 2021 to redefine the ETC.
The CTU approached the European Commission and requested to start the approval process. The requirements for starting the process were fulfilled and the number 116 100 was chosen for the purpose of the line for the elderly .
In order to discuss and approve the European harmonised number, it is necessary to obtain the support of at least 14 Member States in the form of a statement from a Member State representative. It is also an advantage to have the opinion of a professional organisation that could use the number to provide the service to the elderly once the EIN is approved.
It is important to note that there is no obligation on Member States to express their support to establish an EHR, nor is there any obligation on the organisations expressing their support to provide the crisis telephone assistance service. - The CTU has sought support for the proposal within BEREC, the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC will subsequently develop an opinion on the EC proposal), and through delegates to the Council of the EU. BEREC members expressed their view at the group's meeting in October 2021 that the group is prepared to give a favourable opinion to the European Commission if there is sufficient political support for the definition of a new number for the elderly.
- The Senior Citizens' Line (under Elpida, o.p.s.) approached cooperating organisations in EU Member States and obtained their supportive comments. This is an endorsement by 9 organisations from 7 different European countries.
- In autumn 2022, a campaign was conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic in Brussels in order to gain the support of the representatives of the European countries. The following EU countries have been successful in gaining support:
Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Cyprus, Poland, Portugal, Italy. - We are working intensively on reaching out to representatives of other countries.