Project Switzerland - Helping Hand

Country / Region

Switzerland: The «Dargebotene Hand» is an association of twelve locally and regionally based independent organisations under a national umbrella organisation. The 720 volunteers of the twelve regional offices managed over 195’000 telephone calls, 1’500 E-mail contacts and around 7’800 online contacts in 2023. On average, someone in Switzerland dialled 143 every two and a half minutes.

Central Switzerland: The Central Switzerland Regional Office is based in Lucerne and serves the cantons of Lucerne, Zug, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Uri, and Schwyz. In 2023, almost 20’000 enquiries were received from the Central Switzerland region.

History

The idea came from England: Chad Varah, pastor of an Anglican parish, published an advertisement in 1954 in which he wrote: "Before you take your own life, call me!" That little advertisement was the start of what is today the worldwide organisation of telephone counselling. In October 1957, the first telephone counselling centre in Switzerland was opened in Zurich under the name «Dargebotene Hand». Between 1957 and 1975, the twelve regional offices were established. An important recognition came when the phone company ‘Post’ made the three-digit emergency number 143 available in 1976. Since then, only the basic fee has been charged for the calls. Today, the «Dargebotene Hand» is an integral part of the psychosocial support network in Switzerland.

Counselling service

Tel 143 is an emergency number not only for massive crises, but also for men and women of all ages with everyday problems. The Swiss helpline offers callers complete anonymity. For people who need help and support, the phone counselling service is available in German, French, and Italian around the clock. The crisis support in English is available 365 days a year, five hours a day (6 - 11 pm) under telephone number 0800 143 000.

All people are welcome at Tel 143, regardless of religion, origin, and culture. The «Dargebotene Hand» has an open and tolerant attitude. It does not only give advice, but focuses on active listening and empathy. Finally, they also recommend suitable offers of help to callers if they wish. The Helpline can be reached even more anonymously in writing by E-mail or chat in German, French, and Italian.

"Strengthening relationships"

Not everyone has a stable social environment at their disposal when life gets difficult. Or the familiar contact persons are not available at that moment of need. Or there are conflicts in existing relationships. The conversation is a bridge at least for a short time. The experienced staff members create an atmosphere that enables those seeking contact to open up. The contact takes place without bias or judgement.

Project-support

Project 2023: Workplaces for phone / online counselling
For the Lucerne Regional Office, about 60 carefully selected women and men provide their services on the phone or online on a voluntary and unpaid basis. The volunteers are guided and accompanied by experts, professionally prepared for their tasks, and continuously trained. After more people already sought help from Tel 143 during the Corona-virus period, another 1’500 additional calls were recorded in the year 2022. The capacities urgently need to be expanded, i.e. more volunteers are needed, and they need well-equipped workplaces.

Project 2024: Expansion of chat counsellingYounger people are seeking help particularly by using E-mail and chat: 12% of the online contacts are under the age of 18. Because it is sometimes difficult to talk, more children and young people are looking for help via chat. Girls in particular stand out for their self-harming behaviour and suicidal intentions. Last year, over 11% more people seeking help used the chat. Due to the high demand, the organisation would like to expand the chat service.