Online Suicide Prevention in Mainz, Worms, and Rüsselsheim - Rhineland-Palatinate expands youth suicide prevention with peer-led support

Rhineland-Palatinate Premier Malu Dreyer is backing a new online suicide prevention initiative for young people in the Diocese of Mainz. The project, led by Caritas Germany, aims to ensure those in crisis receive timely support. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people, according to Caritas president Eva Welskop-Deffaa.

Caritas Germany has provided free, confidential online counselling since 2001. Last year alone, around 1,700 young people nationwide used its suicide prevention service. By 2025, over 500,000 had accessed the digital support since its launch.

The latest expansion adds three new locations—Mainz, Worms, and Rüsselsheim—bringing the total to 14 across Germany. Some 380 peer counsellors will undergo 32 hours of training to staff these sites. The initiative relies on young volunteers helping others their age in crisis situations.

Premier Dreyer has become a key advocate, stressing that no young person in distress should feel isolated. Meanwhile, Caritas is pushing Federal Health Minister Nina Warken to finalise the long-delayed Suicide Prevention Act. The law would create a legal framework for targeted prevention programs and improve access to psychosocial support for all age groups.

The goal is to secure federal funding for the three new sites by 2028, matching the existing funding for the other 11 locations.

The expansion of Caritas's U25 service comes as demand for youth mental health support grows. With peer-led counselling and increased accessibility, the program aims to reduce suicide rates among young people. The push for federal funding and legal reforms could further strengthen prevention efforts nationwide.