In the 14 years of the phone’s operation, we have received more than 1.4 million calls from children seeking help. More than 4,000 times we saved health and lives during these calls.In the 14 years of the phone’s operation, we have received more than 1.4 million calls from children seeking help.More than 4,000 times we saved health and lives during these calls.

Sometimes a child is so overwhelmed by his or her problem that he or she is unable to notice that there is someone next door to help. Even though there are people next door – friends, family, neighbors, teachers.

They don’t talk to their parents because they think they already have enough problems of their own, so they don’t want to burden them with their own. Many times they pretend in front of family and friends that everything is OK – until the last minute.

Even if the relationship with the child is close, there are situations in which it is easier for children to talk about problems with strangers.

Children know that they can count on us every day, at any time. We don’t want to and can’t let them down.

I can’t deal with it and I have no one to talk to.

I’m listening to you, will you tell me?

My dad bullies me and my mom. He beats us, threatens us, we can’t tell anyone what is going on in our house. Mom just cries and keeps quiet. I don’t know what to do. I can’t handle it anymore.

Some time ago I had an argument with a friend and now she… [silence].

Yes? Would you like to say more?

It sets everyone in the class against me… They make fun of me, they created such a meme with my picture, they recently hid my backpack. I don’t want to go to school anymore.

I don’t know where to start… Something strange is happening to me.

Will you tell more?

I can’t sleep, I don’t have the strength to get up for school. I get very stressed even by small things, nothing makes me happy anymore…. I would preferably spend my whole days in bed.

I’m a little embarrassed because I haven’t told anyone about it yet….

Want to try it now?

I think… I think I fell in love with my friend. I can’t stop thinking about her. I don’t know how to understand it. I’m terribly afraid that she or someone from school will figure it out.

116 111 – the helpline for children and adolescents fills an important gap in the system for helping children in Poland. The possibility of anonymous help in difficult life situations – but also in everyday difficulties – is always important, but especially now, when psychological and psychiatric help for children in Poland is still in a dramatic crisis.

The We Give Children Strength Foundation runs 116 111 – a helpline for children and young people only thanks to donor contributions, as well as collections, proceeds from 1.5% and donations from our business partners and sponsors.

Currently, at the maximum capacity of the 116 111 line, we can answer about 40% of calls. This is a lot, but still not enough. The annual cost of operating the phone is about 5 million zlotys. With this, we employ about 60 psychologists on duty 24/7, and maintain the entire ICT infrastructure and telephone headquarters. This amount assumes the maintenance of current operations, without the possibility of increasing phone reception or developing other channels of communication (which are more intuitive for children and adolescents).

In 2022, we did not receive any public subsidies for phone maintenance. Currently, we continue to apply for public grants in all competitions announced by various ministries or local authorities to secure funding for 2023, but public opportunities are currently few. We are determined to maintain the continuity of the 116 111 phone. For children, it is sometimes the only available form of contact with a specialist and a real chance for help.

The priority is to maintain the continuity of the 24-hour 116 111 line to provide the support and assistance needed by children.

The 116 111 helpline is a priority activity for the Foundation. To maintain and develop it, it is necessary to ensure stable funding – both in terms of the present and in the long term. We do not want the functioning of the 116 111 phone to be jeopardized again due to insufficient funding.

The Giving Children Strength Foundation is a non-governmental organization that has been comprehensively addressing the issues of violence and child sexual abuse for 30 years.