Voices Together I: Building Resilient European Child Helplines for a Safe Future

ongoing

Voices Together I: Building Resilient European Child Helplines for a Safe Future (Voices Together Europe 1) focuses on strengthening the capacity, accessibility, and quality of child helplines across the European Union. This initiative, led by Child Helpline International (CHI), leverages the power of a 30-member network operating in 27 EU countries to ensure children’s voices are heard and their rights protected. With over two million annual contacts, child helplines are critical to addressing mental health, violence, and other issues faced by children. The project aims to achieve three core objectives: (1) enhance the quality and reach of child helpline services, particularly for vulnerable groups; (2) amplify the voices of children by collecting and analyzing robust data to inform policy and advocacy; and (3) increase the visibility and sustainability of child helplines through partnerships and policy integration. Key activities in 2026 include implementing CHI’s Core Quality Standards, collecting and sharing child helpline data, research and partnerships on data innovation and emerging threats, regional meeting of child helplines and fostering advocacy capacity for EU-level engagement. Aligned with EU child rights strategies, the project also addresses emerging challenges such as digital threats and socio-political crises, ensuring child helplines remain inclusive, high-quality, and resilient. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, Voices Together Europe strengthens child protection systems and empowers children to exercise their rights safely and effectively.