As the world marks Mental Health Day on October 10, Community Help Service (CHS) reaffirms its mission to providing accessible, trustworthy, confidential, and dependable mental health support to the English-speaking community in Belgium.
This year, calls to our 24/7 Helpline have risen by around 20%. This increase reflects both the growing need in society for mental health support and the success of CHS’s recent efforts to raise its public profile through social media, community outreach, and awareness partnerships. Notably, our collaboration with the Darkness into Light movement for suicide prevention raised enough funds to cover the running costs of the Helpline for an entire year – a remarkable achievement made possible through the generosity of hundreds of donors.
The CHS Helpline is staffed by trained volunteers who provide a confidential and empathetic ear to callers in distress, including those in the darkest places, struggling with suicidal thoughts.
“Every call to the Helpline represents someone reaching out for hope,” said CHS President Jeremy Jennings. “Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, that hope is always met with compassion and understanding, no matter the hour.”
Alongside the Helpline, our team of mental health professionals offers therapy and counselling services for individuals of all ages, with expertise spanning a wide range of emotional, psychological, and life challenges.
Marta Noordhoek, a psychologist and member of the CHS Clinical Directorate, highlighted the breadth of the organisation’s professional services: “Our clinicians provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health issues – from anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties to more complex psychological conditions. We’re committed to ensuring that everyone who seeks help receives expert, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment.”
Founded in 1971, CHS began as a small initiative serving Belgium’s English-speaking expatriate community. Over more than five decades, it has grown into a vital resource for people of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities, reflecting the increasingly diverse community that calls Belgium home.
“Our mission has never been more relevant,” Jennings said. “Through our Helpline and our network of therapists, we provide a safe and confidential space for anyone who needs to talk, ensuring that help is always available, 24/7.”
On this World Mental Health Day, he paid tribute to the Helpline volunteers, professional therapists, team of office volunteers, and everyone who contributes to CHS’s mission. Their dedication, he said, ensures that CHS remains a trusted and leading resource for mental health support in Belgium.