Kirkens SOS is the largest suicide prevention telephone emergency service in Norway. Our vision is to provide compassionate and confidential support by phone and online with a specific purpose to prevent suicide and alleviate emotional distress. We are always ready to listen when life is a challenge.
The service can be contacted by telephone, email or online chat. This is a low treshold service aimed at connecting individuals undergoing emotional or existential crises to immediate support available for the community on a 24 hour basis. Our vision is to connect people to compassionate support when they are in need. Key values for the service are openness, equality, quality and courage. As the name of the organization implies the service is diaconal and has its roots in the church of Norway. The emergency service is available to alle people regardless of religion, race, gender or ethnicity.
The people responding at SOS are volunteers who have undertaken an extensive qualifying training program. We see volunteering as a possibility to combine motivation and human compassion with formal and qualified skills in communication, social support, and suicide prevention. Our volunteers are located across the country at one of our 11 geographical centers, or they are connected to the service digitally. The group of volunteers consist of a wide range of people regarding formal and personal background and education. We see this diversity as a resource in facilitating contact with the diverse population contacting our service.
One of our qualified volunteers will be happy to take your call around the clock. All calls and messages to us are anonymous and confidential.
We have extensive experience at listening and supporting people in need of someone to talk to.
You can reach us 24/7, and you don't need to tell us your name. If you would prefer writing to us, you can choose a service from the website www.kirkens-sos.no
Our services are in norwegian. If you need help in other languages - you can find our guide to world wide helplines here:
For organizations and international partners
For academic collaboration and direct contact with Kirkens SOS Unit for quality improvement and development: