Why call us?
SOS Help is an English-language emotional support line for the international community in France. Callers choose to contact us for a variety of reasons. We value all calls – and callers – equally. We understand that it can be difficult to talk to a complete stranger – or even someone close to you – about what’s troubling you. It’s fine to take your time, and to start wherever you need to. We also try to keep the site up-to-date with community information, including details of mental health professionals and other support organisations.
Confidentiality and SOS Help
We believe that confidentiality and anonymity for both the callers and listeners are the cornerstones of the service we provide. We never ask for any personal information and our phones do not have caller ID, therefore we cannot trace your call. We never share anything you say, or any personal details with anyone outside the listening team, except in situations of suicide, and only with the explicit permission of the caller. Similarly, we value our anonymity and will not give out any personal information. We do not meet callers in person. We listen as a team and keep basic information about the calls we receive for statistical purposes. We strive to continuously improve our listening abilities, thus during ongoing training, we may discuss specific issues within a call, but not the identity (or details) of the callers themselves. Finally, on occasion another listener may listen into a call, for either training purposes or ongoing quality control of our listening service.
What happens when you call?
We, the listeners of SOS Help, are here to listen to you and help you discuss your concerns, worries and troubles in a safe environment. The focus is solely on you. We're here to focus on your thoughts and feelings at whatever level you wish to share. We realise that can feel a bit strange at first which is why we're here to give you the space, time and understanding necessary to allow you to work through the things you're comfortable discussing on the call. We recognise you're best placed to solve your own problems and we're here to give you the support and space necessary to do that.
Misusing SOS Help services
We're here to listen to anyone who needs to talk, but we do have a few exceptions where calls can be ended prematurely or not accepted at all: - Abuse - Nuisance calls - Stopping others from getting through by non-stop calling with the intention of blocking the line - Using our helpline as a sex line - Personal questions If a listener feels that one of these exceptions are the case and the listening service is being misused, they have the right to refuse to accept or terminate a call.