Child Helpline
We have a dedicated team of counsellors, therapists and other professionals to assist children with any mental, physical and emotional issues. Our helpline is available 24/7 and is completely confidential. We are passionate about helping children and providing them with the support they need.
We do this through free telephone number 116 and voice their concerns to policy and decision-makers in Tanzania. 116 is free service available across all networks in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.
Mostly parents and concerned community members contact the helpline for abuse reporting of information seeking. Depending on the matter reported, we would then link callers to our network of frontline service providers (mostly Social Welfare Officers, Police’s Gender & Children Desk, or CBOs, etc.) within the callers locality. We would then follow on the case and be sure to document successes or challenges in accessing sought/requested services.
A total of
975,577
calls were received at the Helplines
We have trained
150
professionals on GBV, VAC & OCSEA
We have reached over 1,800
community members through our ‘community dialogues’
Key Helpline Areas
Early Childhood Development
Early childhood development is an incredibly important part of a child's life. At Child Helpline, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We provide resources to families and professionals to help them understand and support a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. Our team of experts can provide guidance on topics such as nutrition, sleep, play, and communication needed by this age catergory 0-5years. We are here to ensure that all children have access to the support and resources they need in order to thrive.
Parenting
Our child helpline is here to provide support and advice to parents as they navigate the challenges of parenting. We provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where parents can talk about their feelings and get help dealing with difficult parenting issues. Our team is composed of experienced professionals who can provide personalised advice and support. We offer a range of services, such as workshops, seminars, and online resources to help parents become more confident and successful in their parenting journey.
Mental Health
At the Child Helpline, we understand that good mental health is essential for children and young people to be able to lead a happy and healthy life. Mental health can affect how we feel, think, act and interact with others. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, we are here to provide support and guidance. We can provide information and advice on how to cope with difficult emotions, how to build resilience, and how to access professional help. We also have a counselling service which is free, confidential and available 24/7. Reach out and talk to us – we are here to listen.
Nutrition
Nutrition is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for children. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and proteins will help ensure a child gets the nutrients they need. Eating healthy meals and snacks can also help children maintain a healthy weight and provide them with energy to stay active and participate in activities. For help developing healthy eating habits, our child helpline can provide tips and resources on proper nutrition. We also recommend talking to a doctor or nutritionist to ensure your child is getting the right amount of nutrients for their age.
Sexual Repoductive Health
Child Helpline provides comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information to help children understand the changes their bodies are going through and how to stay safe. We provide information on puberty, contraception, pregnancy, STIs, and healthy relationships. We also provide a safe space for children to ask questions and discuss any issues they may have. We recognize that sexual and reproductive health can be a sensitive topic, and we take extra care to ensure that our services are confidential and non-judgmental. Our goal is to help children make informed decisions about their health.
Safeguarding
At the child helpline, safeguarding is our top priority. We provide a safe and secure environment for children and young people to share their concerns and experiences with us. Our staff are trained in safeguarding and child protection and have clear procedures to ensure the safety of all our users. We take all reports of abuse seriously and will ensure that the relevant authorities are contacted. We also provide guidance and advice on how to stay safe online and in the real world. Lastly, we have a strict policy of confidentiality and anonymity, so that children can feel safe to talk to us about anything.
Gender Based Violence
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a worldwide problem that affects women, men, and children. GBV includes physical, psychological, and sexual violence, which can lead to serious physical and mental health issues. If you or someone you know is experiencing GBV, it's important to reach out and ask for help. Our child helpline is here for you 24/7 and can provide support, guidance, and resources to help you break the cycle of violence. We are committed to helping you find safety and to ensure you feel heard and supported. We are here to listen and help.
Voilence Against Children
Child helplines are here to help children who are experiencing violence. Violence against children, in any form, is never acceptable. It can take many forms, such as physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. If you are a child or a young person and are being subjected to violence, please reach out to us. We can provide you with a safe space to talk, as well as provide you with emotional support and the necessary resources to help you recover. Don't suffer in silence, let us help you today.