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Confidential · Anonymous · Local call rate
Whatever you're going through, we're here to listen.
SOS Help is the English-language helpline in France. Talk to a trained listener for as long as you need.
Open every day, 3 to 11 pm, 365 days a year. Standard local call rate.
50+
years listening to the international community in France
365
days a year, including weekends and holidays
100%
anonymous and confidential, every call
Why call us?
People reach out to us for a wide variety of reasons, and every caller, every reason, matters equally to us.
We understand it can feel difficult to talk to a complete stranger, or even to someone close to you, about what's troubling you. It's fine to take your time. Start wherever you need to.
"It's fine to take your time. Start wherever you need to."
Confidentiality and anonymity
Confidentiality and anonymity matter for both callers and listeners. They're at the heart of what we do.
- We don't ask for your name or personal details.
- We can't see your number. There's no caller ID.
- We never share what you tell us with anyone outside the listening team, except in situations of suicide, and only with the explicit permission of the caller.
- We value our own anonymity too. Listeners do not give out personal information.
- We do not meet callers in person.
- We listen as a team and keep basic, anonymous information about calls for statistical purposes only.
- During ongoing training, we may discuss specific issues raised in a call, but never the identity or personal details of the caller.
- Occasionally, another listener may join a call for training or quality-control purposes.
"The focus is entirely on you. Your thoughts, your feelings, at whatever level you wish to share."
What happens when you call?
When you call SOS Help, our listeners give you space to talk about whatever's on your mind.
We know it can feel a little strange at first. That's why we give you the space, time, and understanding to work through whatever you're comfortable discussing.
We don't tell you what to do. We trust that you are best placed to solve your own problems, and we're here to give you the support to do that, in your own way.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to call SOS Help?
Calls to SOS Help are charged at the standard local rate and are included in most mobile and landline plans in France. As a non-profit, we don't charge anything for the service itself. The only cost is the call from your phone provider.
Are calls to SOS Help anonymous?
Yes. We do not have caller ID, we do not ask for your name, and we never share what you tell us. Anonymity for both callers and listeners is at the heart of our service.
What hours can I call SOS Help?
Our English-speaking listeners answer the phone every day from 3 pm to 11 pm, 365 days a year, including weekends and public holidays. The number is 01 46 21 46 46.
How long has SOS Help been operating?
SOS Help has been the English-language emotional support helpline in France for more than fifty years. Our listeners are trained volunteers who complete a structured listening programme and receive ongoing supervision from experienced team members.
Do I need to be in crisis to call?
No. Our listeners are trained to take calls on any subject, and we treat all callers and all reasons for calling equally. People reach out to us about loneliness, relationship difficulties, anxiety, low mood, grief, adjusting to life in France, work stress, family worries, or simply needing someone to listen. No problem is too small.
Is SOS Help a suicide hotline?
SOS Help is an emotional support helpline. We listen to anyone in distress, including callers experiencing suicidal thoughts, and our listeners are trained to support you. For immediate medical emergencies in France, call 15 (SAMU) or 112. For French-language suicide prevention, call 3114.
Who answers when I call SOS Help?
Trained volunteer listeners answer your call. They have completed a structured training programme and receive ongoing supervision. They are not therapists or doctors. They are people who listen, without judgement, in English.
How is SOS Help different from Samaritans in France?
SOS Help is the English-language emotional support helpline in France. We are independent of the UK Samaritans, but we follow similar listening principles: anonymous, confidential, non-judgemental support. People in France searching for "Samaritans France" are most often looking for SOS Help.
Can I call SOS Help from outside France?
Yes, you can call from outside France by dialling +33 1 46 21 46 46. International call charges from your provider will apply. The line is open 3 pm to 11 pm.
A note on misuse of the helpline
We're here to listen to anyone who needs to talk. There are a few exceptions where a call may be ended early or not accepted: abusive behaviour towards a listener, nuisance calls, calls that block the line and prevent others from getting through, using the helpline as a sex line, or personal questions about the listener. If a listener feels the service is being misused, they have the right to refuse or terminate the call.
When you're ready