Free helpline and live chat

Supporting Informed Healthy Life Choices

Choices free helpline and live chat

Choices Live Chat, Free Helpline and App

We know that life in the AZC is not easy for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers. It is especially difficult to find someone you can trust and talk to. Choices offers a free anonymous helpline 0800 0333 and live chat service for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and status holders.

Call 0800 0333Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. or chat with us!
Live chat is available Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday mornings, Thursday afternoons, Friday mornings, and Tuesday evening live chat is there specifically for transgender asylum seekers.

Click (during opening hours) on the live chat button below
Through the helpline and live chat you will be in contact with trained LGBTQI+ volunteers and psychologists who can provide immediate support and connect you with the help you need.

All volunteers speak multiple languages: we understand your needs in your own language! Every day there is someone who can speak to you in English or another language such as Arabic, Dutch, Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian or Russian.

For transgender asylum seekers, we offer medical consultations related to transition in the AZC. Medical consultations are available in addition to our psychological counseling. After registering as a client, our psychologists can schedule an appointment with our transgender medical specialist.

Call the free helpline
0800-0333

Contact our trained volunteers by calling us toll-free on 0800 0333 Monday through Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. Below is who is available on what day, what time and what languages they speak. Everyone speaks English. If you want to speak to someone who speaks your language, check the list below to find the right person.

If you want, you can also download the Choices app for treatment, testing and wellness. You can do this by scanning the QR code above or by clicking on the link. The Choices app allows you to connect to a network of "queer-friendly" services in the Netherlands. The Choices app is an online healthcare network and is available in English, Dutch and Arabic.

Our volunteers

The volunteers at Choices Support Center are all trained and among them are also several psychologists ready to answer a variety of calls for you. Our comprehensive training includes multiple modules such as counseling skills, active listening, conflict resolution, role play and the asylum process. Additional training includes: suicide prevention, incidents of sexual violence; HIV/SOA testing; PrEP information and problematic drug use. Choices volunteers receive clinical supervision and administrative support.

Upon written request, we are happy to share our training program and procedures. Choices' toll-free helpline operates according to the helpline quality standards developed by Child Helpline International, Red Cross Crisis Call Centers and Red Cross Psychological First Aid Field Worker guidelines.

Helpline weekly schedule

Monday Helpline:

Monday 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Gaukhar (EN/RU)

Hello, my name is Gaukhar, I am from Kazakhstan. I received my bachelor's degree in Psychological Sciences from the University of Padua and am now pursuing a master's program in Cognitive Neuroscience in Rome, Italy. I have always wanted to contribute to making psychological help more accessible to people. That's why I'm here at Choices, because the helpline offers an easy way to talk to a psychologist. I am also a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) psychologist and have experience in Counseling Psychology. I speak both English and Russian. I am here to provide a non-judgmental, supportive space to talk. Whether you are dealing with stress, feeling alone in the AZC, struggling with inner conflicts, having substance abuse issues or just need someone to listen to you, please do not hesitate to call me. (EN/RU).

Monday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Cees (NL/EN/DU)

I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is Cees, I am 60 years old and I live in Eindhoven. Since my youth I have enjoyed helping people who are having a hard time. Of course I cannot solve everyone's problems. But I can be a listening ear. I do not judge, but try to hold up a mirror to people and give suggestions on how they can deal with problems. In the past 10 years I have spoken to many different people who felt psychologically uncomfortable because of their sexual orientation and about the consequences of an HIV infection. What does it do to you, how do you deal with it and what are your rights and obligations. These are topics that often come up. The most important thing for my volunteer work at Choices is that I have a chemsex past. In November 2023 I decided that chems should not ruin my life. I very resolutely stopped using these destructive substances. And it was not always easy for me, sometimes temptation lurks around the corner. Yet I persevered. Now I want to be a listening ear for men who feel that they are losing control because of chems. They can talk to me about what it does to them. If they want to know how I stopped, I will tell them. I would love it if they are inspired by me to take the next step to also make healthy changes. I speak Dutch, English and German.

Tuesday Helpline:

Tuesday 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Tanya (UKR/RUS/EN)

My name is Tanya and I am originally from Ukraine. Eight years ago, I made the Netherlands my home. With over 15 years of experience as a psychologist, I am passionate about helping people live a better life. In our sessions, you can expect me to listen attentively, provide the support you need, motivate you and share new perspectives. I have extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals from migrant backgrounds, and drawing on my personal experience with migration, I understand the unique challenges they face. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone who calls me. I can offer sessions in Ukrainian, Russian and English. (UKR/RUS/EN).

Tuesday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Community Cares 'after-hours'

Monday 6pm to 9pm

Chemsex coaching every Monday evening. The Choices after-hours helpline project offers free anonymous counselling using proven behavioural interventions to minimise drug use and risky sexual behaviours associated with drug use. In addition we provide assessments for referral to appropriate treatment facilities and access to our weekly national online support group.

Click below for information about our Community Cares 'after-hours' Project.

Wednesday Helpline:

Wednesday 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Alina (EN/RU)

My name is Alina and I was born in Kazakhstan. I graduated in psychology from the University of Amsterdam, with a specialization in clinical and social psychology. I also volunteered to provide psychological support to victims of the war in Ukraine. I am immensely aware of the unique struggle of the Russian-speaking LGBTQIA+ community at the intersection of political, religious and social persecution. As a Choices helpline volunteer, I strive to provide the best support I can. Feel free to call me if you need help or just someone to listen to you. (EN/RU).

Wednesday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Selin (TR/EN)

My name is Selin and I am from Cyprus. I completed my bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Amsterdam and my master's degree in child and adolescent psychology at Leiden University. I currently work as a therapist for children with autism, helping them with their difficulties and reaching their full potential. Having experience volunteering in support and counseling services, I understand how important it is to talk to someone freely, in a non-judgmental way when you feel overwhelmed and exhausted. My in-depth knowledge of the challenges LGBTQ+ asylum seekers face, including the obstacles in adjusting to a new country or dealing with life's daily problems, motivates me to volunteer and lend a helping hand at Choices. I will do my best to help you in any way I can. I speak Turkish and English fluently, so don't hesitate to call me and let's do this together! (TR/EN).

Thursday Helpline:

Thursday 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Gizem (EN/TR)

My name is Gizem and I am from Cyprus. I have a bachelor's degree from Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus. I recently graduated with a master's degree in neuropsychology from the University of Maastricht, the Netherlands. I am currently continuing my education in cognitive behavioral therapy and I have recently completed EMDR training for trauma therapy. At Choices, I contribute to creating an inclusive, multilingual environment by supporting clients in English and Turkish. This ensures that you receive guidance and understanding in your native language. With the clinical supervision and administrative support provided by Choices, I strive to maintain the highest standards of care while creating a safe and supportive space for all. I am very passionate about providing support to LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and status holders. That is why I chose to volunteer at Choices Support Center. Choices' mission of inclusivity and support aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to providing compassionate and professional care to help you cope with the challenges inside and outside the AZC. I speak English and Turkish (EN/TR).

Thursday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Mara (EN/HR)

Hello, my name is Mara, I am Croatian-American. I moved to the Netherlands to continue my studies. I earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a master's in clinical psychology and a second master's in health and medical psychology. Choices Support Center's commitment to inclusiveness and person-centered care aligns closely with my own values, which is why I decided to become a volunteer here. I am passionate about making psychological support more accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. My experience in multicultural and international settings has enhanced my ability to connect with diverse communities, including supporting asylum seekers. Previously, I have provided support to people struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma. I am committed to creating a compassionate and supportive environment where every voice is heard and valued. Call me. (EN/HR).

Friday Helpline:

Friday 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Arianna (EN/IT/SP)

Hello, my name is Arianna, I am from Italy. I moved to Bosnia and Herzegovina when I was 16 years old. During my years in Mostar, I became a peer group supervisor and helped students from all over the world. Then I moved to the Netherlands, where I studied psychology and graduated from the University of Amsterdam. I specialized, during my undergraduate studies, in clinical psychology and in clinical developmental psychology. I am currently specializing in health psychology for my master's degree. I find the way Choices strives to approach the individual from a 360-degree perspective incredibly valuable. Choices' personalized model of care aligns closely with my values. I look forward to connecting with many of you and creating meaningful, enriching exchanges. I speak English, Italian and fairly fluent Spanish (EN/IT/SP).

Friday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Szofi (EN/SP/HU)

Hello, my name is Szofi and I am originally from Hungary, but I have been living in the Netherlands for about 8 years now. I have a BSc in psychology and I am currently completing my MSc in health and medical psychology at Leiden University. I am fluent in Hungarian and English and can speak Spanish quite well. I am also currently learning Dutch and Papiamento. Being LGBTQIA+ myself and coming from Hungary, it has always been my goal to help and support others within our community as much as possible. This is why I was extra motivated to join Choices. I have a specific interest in anxiety disorders and have received training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), but most of all, I am here to listen and help anyone struggling. I look forward to engaging with you!

Sunday Helpline:

Sunday 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Szofi (EN/SP/HU)

Download our free Choices 4 Better Living app.

You can use the links below to download the multilingual Choices app with free helpline. The Choices 4 Better Living app is designed to help you find suitable stigma-free queer-friendly care and assistance providers in the Netherlands.

Our app is available in both the App Store and the Google Play Store.

Volunteer

Choices welcomes anyone who would like to volunteer with us. We kindly ask you to fill out an application form on our website. Upon receipt of your application, we will see if you will be invited for an interview. Because answering helpline calls requires specific skills, not everyone who applies will be considered.

The application process is a two-step process. All potential volunteers are first interviewed by the director. After the first stage is completed, the selected person is interviewed and screened by our psychologist to ensure that this person is capable of answering the helpline. We want to make sure that all our volunteers are psychologically prepared and emotionally strong enough to talk to callers who are under great emotional stress and struggling with trauma, isolation and PTSD