What SOS Help means...

Many thanks to Vicki Lesage (www.vickilesage.com) for letting us share this.

Feeling down? Call us up! SOS Help

Moving to a different country can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. Everyone speaking a different language doesn’t make it any easier. From doing the shopping to navigating public transport, each daily task takes a little more effort. And when you are ready to relax and socialize, there’s the matter of meeting new people. With a new language and culture, at times all this can be a little overwhelming. How are we expected to make it through?

Luckily for English-speakers in France, there is SOS Help, the non-profit group whose purpose is to provide an empathetic ear to people experiencing exactly these things. From 3 to 11 pm daily, anyone can call the line anonymously and talk about whatever is on their mind – no matter how big or small – to a non-judgmental volunteer.

So why does SOS Help provide this service?

We are expats ourselves and have experienced first-hand the difficulties of integrating. We know that simply hearing the voice of someone who understands what you are going through can sometimes be the most helpful solution when you are feeling worried, lonely depressed or even suicidal. The greatest relief is knowing you are not alone.

There are thousands of Anglophones in France and it comes as no surprise that so many people would relocate to such a beautiful country, with gorgeous buildings and fresh croissants everywhere you look.

But amongst all that all clinking of wine glasses, there are people who are feeling a little down. If that’s you, give us a call.

SOS Help

01 46 21 46 46

www.soshelpline.org

SOS Help was founded in 1974 by a group of American and British health professionals, with the help of Chad Varah, founder of the Samaritans. SOS Help is a non-profit organisation recognised under the French law of 1901. It is a branch of France's SOS Amitié Federation and is linked to the Samaritans and a member of Befrienders International. The listeners are trained by professionals to provide a quality listening service that is anonymous, confidential, non-directive and non-judgmental.