Get about 20,000 conversations annually

Serious calls to Red Cross Help Phones has increased and people are often desperate when they use the service, even in suicidal thoughts. The help phone receives about 20,000 conversations annually, both over the phone and online chat, and the conversations are often longer than before.

This says Elfa Dögg S. Leifsdóttir, psychologist of the Red Cross and team manager of mental health and psychosocial support.

Red Cross Help Phones 1717 yesterday was granted a $ 25 million joint grant from HThe Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of Education and Children’s Affairs, which prevents the service from being reduced.

« This means that we can continue on our path and keep the 24 -hour service open for everyone and everyone who needs to be. A reporter talked to her after the signing of the grant yesterday

Elfa Dögg says the calls have been steadily increasing.

« We are seeing around 20,000 conversations now, ie both calls and chat annually. What has actually changed now is that there is only an increase in calls but also there are serious calls and conversations. So to see a little change in this direction, ”she says.

Search for volunteers

Certain skills are needed to respond to a telephone response, as the calls that are received by it are all kinds, according to Elfa Daggar.

« Volunteers are partially responding to us. redcross.is or raudikrossinn.isto become a volunteer and then contact the person, ”she concludes.