Seventh Regional Consultation and Third Policy Dialogue of Child Helplines in Europe held in Brussels

On October 16-18, 2017, the Seventh Regional Consultation and Third Policy Dialogue of Child Helplines in Europe was held in Brussels. Together with members of the European Parliament, youth, child helplines and Missing Children Europe, 10 years of launching the European harmonised number 116 111 for child helplines was celebrated.

More than 50 members representing child helplines in Europe, state officials, representatives of Telecom and other professionals were present. In the framework of EU-funded project “Advocacy for Child and Youth Protection”, psychologist of the Public Health Foundation of Georgia Nino Darsadze attended current event.

The event represented an opportunity for child helplines in Europe, from over 45 countries, to meet, deliberate, and share experiences and good practices. In order to continuously advocate for better child protection services and increase the recognition of children’s voices through strengthening the services of child helplines, discussion was focused on quality data, advocacy and partnership and the situation of children in Europe.

In 2008, the Public Health Foundation of Georgia (PHF) has established Child Helpline with European harmonized number 116 111 giving the opportunity to children and youth to share their concerns and seek support when needed. Currently, PHF tries to develop this service in the framework of the EU-funded project “Advocacy for Child and Youth Protection”. The Public Health Foundation of Georgia is associated member of Child Helpline International (CHI).

Child helpline of PHF via telephone communication supports children, youth, adults – parents, child professionals and any individuals who want to share child related problems. Child helpline works from Monday to Friday from 10:00 am. to 18:00 pm.