Freiburg's crisis hotline marks 50 years of lifesaving conversations
Freiburg's crisis hotline, Telefonseelsorge, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on 19 March 2026. The service has supported thousands of people in the region every year, offering round-the-clock help for those in distress. A new campaign now aims to highlight its vital work and encourage more people to seek support through conversation—whether by phone or online.
Founded in 1976, the hotline has grown from a traditional phone service into a modern support network. Today, nearly 100 trained volunteers answer calls 24 hours a day, ensuring complete anonymity for everyone who reaches out. In 2025 alone, they handled around 15,600 phone calls and over 1,200 chat conversations.
Over the past five years, demand for digital services has surged by roughly 150%, driven in part by the pandemic. Young adults aged 18 to 35 and teenagers between 14 and 17 now make up the largest groups using online chats and counselling. The hotline's expansion into digital tools reflects a broader effort to connect with younger audiences who may prefer text-based support. Common reasons for contacting the service include loneliness, anxiety, illness, and family conflicts. About one in nine calls involves suicide prevention, underscoring the hotline's critical role in crisis intervention. To mark its milestone, a series of events—including a public lecture in April—will showcase its history and impact. The anniversary campaign also seeks to remind the public that personal conversation remains at the heart of the service. While technology has changed how people access help, the core mission stays the same: providing a listening ear to anyone in need.
The hotline's 50th year arrives as its services continue to adapt to new challenges. With rising demand for digital support and a steady flow of calls, the organisation relies on volunteers to maintain its 24/7 availability. The upcoming events and awareness drive will emphasise how the service has evolved—and why it remains a lifeline for so many in the Freiburg area.
