Help in a crisis
Crisis and emergency numbers
If you are not safe, or cannot get through tonight on your own, please call one of these numbers. Trained people answer, day and night.
Urgent help
- 144 Medical emergency Also activates the on-call psychiatric service. 24 hours.
- 0848 062 062 OSC contact centre Socio-psychiatric organisation. Every day, 24 hours.
- 091 611 48 28 On-call psychiatrist 18:00 to 08:00 on weekdays, 24 hours on public holidays.
- 112 / 117 Emergency / police If someone is in immediate danger.
Someone to talk to
- 143 Telefono Amico Anonymous. 24 hours, every day of the year.
- 147 Pro Juventute For children and young people. Free and confidential, 24 hours.
Other countries
- Find A Helpline findahelpline.com Free, verified helplines in more than 175 countries.
These numbers were verified on 3 September 2026 against the official pages of the cantonal Department of Health and Social Affairs. 144, 0848 062 062, 091 611 48 28, 112 and 117 are public services. 143 and 147 are run by an association and a foundation respectively, and are listed among the official contacts. Find A Helpline is a public service provided by ThroughLine. All numbers are checked every six months.
Before calling
What happens during a call
Uncertainty about what to expect deters many people from calling. The following describes what usually happens.
- Someone answers and listensNo prepared opening, diagnosis or particular reason is needed. Many callers begin by saying they do not know why they are calling, and staff hear this many times a day.
- You may be asked direct questionsThese may include whether you are thinking of harming yourself. Every caller is asked this, calmly. It is neither a trap nor a judgement, and an honest answer does not trigger any automatic measure.
- You remain in controlYou may remain anonymous, decline any question and end the call at any time. Nothing happens without your involvement.
Frequent concerns
Common worries about calling
“It is not serious enough”
The lines are not reserved for the most severe situations; they exist equally for difficulties that are ordinary and persistent. Waiting until a situation feels serious enough is often how it becomes serious.
“They will send someone”
Listening lines do not dispatch anyone; their staff talk with you. Emergency services become involved only where there is immediate danger to life, and you would be part of that conversation.
“I would be taking the place of someone worse off”
The lines are staffed for high call volumes. Those who answer would rather speak with you now than in six months' time.
“I do not know what to say”
Nothing specific is required. Saying that you saw a number and did not know what else to do is enough.
If you are supporting another person, you may also call these numbers and ask what to do. You do not have to be the person in crisis.
Not urgent, and not sure where to begin?
Write to SafeHere through the contact form and describe your situation in general terms. SafeHere will point you to suitable services and, where cost is the obstacle, look at what can be done about it.