"Understood, I'm listening"...
"Chat got cracking," beams Anna S., engaging with her anonymous caller at the end of the line. With a mix of trepidation and relief, the young voice opens up about their ill health and the sorrow of their parents, who are consumed by their own grief. Seeking solace, they've reached out to the children and youth telephone helpline, a lifeline for countless individuals just like them. Every day, for three decades now, volunteers like Anna have lent an ear to such heartfelt conversations in Düsseldorf. Last year alone, the helpline tallied 6,715 calls from troubled teens seeking support.
It's not about life and death, but rather fears, tales of abuse, feelings of isolation, self-harm, academic stress, bullying, psychological issues, and turbulent romances. Listening attentively is the cornerstone of these conversations. "But if the callers seek guidance, we work through possible solutions or provide means for further help," explains Bernhard Müller, coordinator of the children and youth telephone in Düsseldorf.
As the first children and youth telephone in Germany, Düsseldorf's helpline can trace its roots back to 50 years ago. It first started as a modest initiative with a children and youth psychologist and a family helper offering their personal phone number as an emergency line. They were quick to spot the needs of the younger generation and responded with unbureaucratic support. Two decades later, this help line became an official entity, with the current children and youth telephone now managed by "Der Kinderschutzbund e.V." and part of the "Nummer gegen Kummer" network based in Wuppertal.
"A listening ear is fundamental, but it's not the only prerequisite," asserts Dr. Hauke Duckwitz, the first chairman of the Düsseldorf association "Der Kinderschutzbund." He acknowledges the importance of reaching out to young people where they can be found easier. That's why the Düsseldorf children and youth telephone has evolved to include online counseling services and peer-to-peer counseling via the "Youths advise Youths" program. "These initiatives are warmly appreciated," shares Anna S., a volunteer youth counselor who helps take calls every Saturday from 2pm to 8pm.
In the broader context, it's essential to consider the various support systems available for young people in Germany. These initiatives span government programs, non-profit organizations, and community-based projects, all geared toward improving mental health resources for the youth population. These resources encompass educational and sports projects, youth programs and training, and advocacy groups, each providing a unique angle to supporting young people in navigating the ups and downs of life.
- The callers seek various forms of guidance, with the helpline working through possible solutions or providing means for further help in areas such as science, workplace-wellness, health-and-wellness, and fitness-and-exercise to improve their physical health.
- Moreover, the helpline acknowledges the importance of mental health, offering support and resources for individuals dealing with mental health issues, academic stress, psychological issues, and self-harm.
- To foster personal growth and promote education and self-development, the Düsseldorf children and youth telephone has implemented online counseling services and the "Youths advise Youths" program, which encourages peer-to-peer counseling and support.
- The helpline emphasizes the importance of comprehensive support systems in Germany, including government programs, non-profit organizations, and community-based projects focused on mental health resources, education, sports, youth programs, and advocacy, all aimed at helping young people navigate life's challenges.
