This year Tele-Onthaal recieved 4% more calls during July than it did during July 2024. In particular, the number of men and young people that are contacting Tele-Onthaal is on the increase.
Tele-Onthaal’s Leen Devlieghere told VRT News that there is often a strong undertone of loneliness among those that contact the helpline. During July Tele-Onthaal received more than 10,500 calls. This is an average of 324 per day and an increase of 4% on July 2024 and 5% on July 2023.
“Worries don’t take a holiday. In fact, they often weigh even more heavily during the summer break. Many sources of support such as school, work or hobbies aren’t there and the safety net disappears too with family members and friends on holiday. There is a strong undertone of loneliness in the conversations that we have” Leen Devlieghere said.
Relationship issues are often a reason for people to contact Tele-Onthaal.
“People spend a lot of time together in close proximity and this can be a source of tension.”