For 45 years, “Nummer gegen Kummer” has been a trusted point of contact in Germany for young people and parents seeking support in times of worry, fear, or personal crisis. What began in 1980 as a special helpline for children and teenagers struggling with worries about school reports, has now grown into a nationwide counselling service – always free of charge, anonymous, and easily accessible.

“It all started with a helpline for school reports, but it quickly became clear: children and youths need someone to listen to them in many areas of life,” says Gisela Wetzel-Willert, Chairwoman of Nummer gegen Kummer e.V. 

Celebrating our 45th anniversary today shows not only the ongoing and high demand for easily accessible, trustworthy counselling services – but also that those seeking help continue to place great trust in what we offer.

Over the years, the services have been continuously expanded. Today, trained volunteer counsellors provide support not only via the child helpline, but also through online counselling and a dedicated parents’ helpline. The range of topics is broad – from school-related stress and performance pressure to problems online, mental health issues, family conflicts, and future anxiety.

“Nummer gegen Kummer” has received long-standing support from the German Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) and from Deutsche Telekom. Since 2008, “Nummer gegen Kummer” has also been part of the German Safer Internet Centre and is co-funded by the European Union.

On social media, you can reach the helpline on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Find more information about the work of the German Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.