Life-saving help: Anonymous pastoral care and advice for everyone

Life-saving help: Anonymous pastoral care and advice for everyone

There is a lot of rumbling in Cologne: the railway line between Siegburg and Bonn is currently closed. This not only impacts commuters, but could also draw a closer look at the inhumane challenges and difficulties of everyday life. According to that Cologne City Gazette Suicides are deliberately reported cautiously in the media. Detailed descriptions are taboo in order to help those affected and their relatives avoid becoming the focus of reporting.

This makes it all the more important to offer support. Various anonymous counseling and pastoral care services are available to help people in need. The telephone counseling service can be reached around the clock on the free numbers 0800 – 111 0 111 and 0800 – 111 0 222. The website telefonseelsorge.de also offers the option of having conversations via chat.

Support offers at a glance

The “Number against grief” offer is particularly important for children and young people. They can be reached on 116 111 Monday to Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. - this is a real ray of hope for young people in crisis situations. On Saturdays, young people are even available there to advise other young people, which is invaluable in today's world.

In addition, it provides information German Society for Suicide Prevention about all telephone, regional and online counseling options in Germany on suizidprophylaxe.de. The “Violence against Women” helpline offers women who have experienced violence an anonymous and free counseling service on 08000 – 116 016. In acute cases of danger to yourself or others, it is crucial to immediately contact the emergency services on 112 or call the psychiatric emergency service on 116 117.

In times when mental illnesses and crises are becoming more and more prevalent, it is important that offers of help are clearly communicated to the public. Universities offer their own support services and nightlines that are specifically designed for late-night conversations. This shows that there is support in various places, you just have to take the first step.

The events surrounding the railway line are not only a logistical challenge, they also reflect how important it is for a society to be there for one another and help. If you notice someone in your area who needs help, do not hesitate to pass on relevant contacts for help and to be concerned about the well-being of others.

Help raise awareness of important offers of help, because help is always just a phone call away.