Who can call?

The Helpline is an English-language support Helpline for adults, adolescents and children. Even if you are under 18, you can call us. We are here for you, whatever your age.

What happens when you call?

• One of our listening volunteers will answer with something like, ‘Community Help Service Helpline’.
• If all our volunteers are busy on calls or otherwise unavailable, you will hear a recorded message asking you to call back later. You will not be able to leave a message.

Why call?

• We help you discuss your concerns, worries and troubles in a safe environment and at whatever level you wish to share. Whatever you are going through, we are here to listen.
• We are trained to listen to you, and not to judge, label or diagnose you.
• We will focus on your thoughts and feelings, and may ask questions to help you explore how you feel.
• You do not have to be in a crisis to call us.

Is the Helpline anonymous and confidential?

• The Helpline is anonymous and everything you say will be treated in the strictest confidence.
• We never ask for personal information. You do not have to tell us your name if you do not want to.
• You choose exactly how much or how little information you wish to disclose about yourself.
• We do not share anything you say outside the CHS Helpline team.

If I need to call again, can I speak to the same listening volunteer?

You are very welcome to call as many times as you need to but please note that you are not likely to speak to the same listening volunteer. To protect caller identity, the Helpline operates anonymously and there is no pattern to staffing.

Are there any costs to calling?

The Helpline is free but you will be charged the cost of connecting your telephone to the CHS landline number (02 648 4014). You are not charged for the duration of the call – just the connection charge.

Misusing the Helpline

Please note that if you are abusive towards our listening volunteers or are otherwise abusing the Helpline, we may use our system to block or limit your calls.

Concerns / Complaints

Should you wish to make a complaint about the organisation and/or service provided, you may email us at office@chsbelgium.org, and your complaint will be dealt with promptly. See our page on Concerns and Complaints.

Volunteering with the Helpline

The Helpline is currently looking for listening volunteers throughout Belgium.

Click here for more info on volunteering with CHS

“Knowing that I am in a way a shoulder to cry on for some people who are lonely, isolated or overburdened with life in general. The fact that I am helping a fellow human being at a vulnerable moment. That I am paying it forward for all the help and support I got in my life in difficult moments from kind people.”

– Helpline listening volunteer