Freiburg's crisis hotline marks 50 years of lifesaving support in 2026

Freiburg's crisis hotline, Telefonseelsorge, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on March 19, 2026. The milestone marks half a century of providing anonymous support to people in distress. A series of events, including a public lecture in April, will highlight the service's impact on the community.

Founded in 1976, the hotline now operates 24/7 with nearly 100 trained volunteers. They handle a wide range of concerns, from loneliness and anxiety to illness and family conflicts. In 2025 alone, volunteers managed around 15,600 phone calls and over 1,200 chat conversations.

Suicide prevention remains a critical part of their work. About one in nine calls involves someone at risk of self-harm. To meet growing demand, the service has expanded beyond phone support, adding online counselling, a dedicated app, and digital tools to better reach younger audiences. The anniversary will also launch a public campaign. Its goal is to raise awareness of the hotline's role and the value of personal conversation in times of crisis. Thousands of people across the Freiburg area rely on the service each year, benefiting from confidential, round-the-clock support.

The 50th anniversary events will run throughout 2026, starting with a public lecture in April. The hotline continues to adapt, offering more ways for people to seek help. With nearly 100 volunteers and expanded digital services, Telefonseelsorge Freiburg remains a vital resource for those in need.