Helplines in Switzerland
If someone is in immediate danger, call 144 for an ambulance or 112. For a conversation at any hour, Die Dargebotene Hand (La Main Tendue) answers on 143, in German, French and Italian. The call is free, though some providers charge a connection fee, and there is a chat daily from 10:00 to 22:00. For poisoning, call Tox Info Suisse on 145.
There is a dedicated English line. Die Dargebotene Hand runs anonymous, confidential support in English on 0800 143 000, daily from 18:00 to 23:00. It is free but can only be reached from Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The other services listed here work in German, French or Italian.
If you have experienced physical, psychological or sexual violence, Opferhilfe Schweiz on 142 offers free victim support 24/7, for you or someone close to you. It is not an emergency number, so call 117 for the police if you are in danger. Shelter addresses are kept confidential, so a victim support service is the safe way in and can help arrange a place. Children and young people can contact Pro Juventute on 147 at any hour, by phone, WhatsApp or chat; calls do not appear on the phone bill. Parents can call Pro Juventute Elternberatung on 058 261 61 61, or the Elternnotruf on 0848 35 45 55. SafeZone.ch offers anonymous online addiction counselling.
Dial Swiss numbers as shown. 112 works in Switzerland, including from a foreign SIM. Each number was checked at its official source, with the date shown beside it.
Emotional support
Die Dargebotene Hand / La Main Tendue
Anonymous listening service for anyone in a difficult situation; the conversation is free, though some providers charge a connection fee.
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Domestic violence
Young people
Parents
Pro Juventute Elternberatung
Free, confidential advice for parents in any situation, by phone and online.
- Hours: 24/7
- Languages: German, French, Italian
- Cost: free
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Alcohol and drugs
Questions about getting help in Switzerland
What is the emergency number in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, call 144, 117 and 118 in an emergency. If someone's life is at risk, don't wait: call straight away. Emergency calls are free.
Is there a free mental health helpline in Switzerland?
Yes. Die Dargebotene Hand / La Main Tendue (143) and Die Dargebotene Hand: English line (0800 143 000). Details, opening hours and the official source for each number are listed on this page.
Can I get help in English in Switzerland?
Yes. These services say they offer English: Die Dargebotene Hand: English line (0800 143 000).
Where can women experiencing violence get help in Switzerland?
Contact Opferhilfe Schweiz (142). Shelter addresses are kept confidential for safety, so the helpline is the way in. In immediate danger, call 144.
Is there a helpline for children and young people in Switzerland?
Yes. Pro Juventute 147 (147).
Numbers are checked against each service's own website on the date shown. Services change, so if a number doesn't work please tell me: hello@michellefernando.com.