Sometimes people in a crisis need immediate advice. This is provided by an organisation called Dargebotene Hand (Helping Hand). It offers free advice over the telephone, via e-mail or on Internet chat (www.143.ch). In emergencies you can telephone 143 and speak to an operator. They will listen and can help you with what to do next. The Dargebotene Hand is an advice centre for everyone and everything is dealt with in absolute confidence.

Advice specific to young people is also available on the Internet. www.lilli.ch is a useful website, providing serious information about topics of interest to adolescents and young men and women, such as relationships, sexuality, contraception and violence. You can ask questions or read questions that other people have asked. Children and young people who have questions or need help can also contact Pro Juventute by telephoning 147, texting 147 or using the Chat 147 service on the website. Other information about services can be found at www.147.ch

Some parents find their children challenging and may have reached crisis point or find themselves in a stressful situation. They can contact the Elternnotruf Parents’ Emergency Helpline, which can be contacted round the clock on 0848 35 45 55. It is also possible to make an appointment with Elternnotruf to discuss parenting issues. Visit the www.elternnotruf.ch website for more information.