May of 17th marks the International Helpline for Children. Helplines can be a powerful means for providing help to children who are in need. Children in their daily lives are facing with situations or difficulties which can be sources of personal distress and concerns. As a result, children might be experiencing thoughts and feelings that sometimes are difficult to cope with or even to seek help from another person.
The Helplines can provide to children a safe framework in order to be heard and also to ensure their rights. Specifically, the access to a helpline is easy, costless and often anonymous, which can make it easier for a child to seek help and discuss a concern or situation.
As a Humanitarian Organization that provides a variety of services to support children and defend their rights, Hope For Children operates the following Helplines:
Hope For Children Helpline 1466: Available to all children and families in Cyprus free of charge, the helpline operates 24/7 and provides psychological, social and legal support, advice and guidance on issues related to child protection.
European Helpline for Children and Adolescents 116 111: Operates from Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 20:00 and every Saturday from 9:30 until 14:00. In Cyprus, the European Helpline is operated by HFC and the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO). The lines provide the opportunity to youth to talk about their concerns and worries.
European Hotline for Missing Children 116 000: Operates on a 24-hours basis, 365 days a year. The 116000 helpline aims to prevent and handle cases of missing children and facilitate the access to support services for the relatives of missing children. Τhe helpline is operated by HFC and SPAVO, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and Public Order and the Cyprus Police.
HFC is also part of the Child Helpline International (CHI), an international federation with 166 members from 139 countries and territories around the world. CHI coordinates information, knowledge and data used to help and support child protection systems globally, regionally and nationally, and to help their members advocate for the rights of children and amplify their voices. The Organization is also a member of the Missing Children Europe Federation.
For more information regarding Child Helplines, you can call “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center at 22103234 or access the webpage www.uncrcpc.org.cy
