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'll connect with trained LGBTQI+ volunteers and psychologists who can provide immediate support and put you in touch with the help you need.
On Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., we have trained transgender volunteers available to assist transgender asylum seekers seeking support while in transition within the AZC.
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.
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.
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.
My name is Ben. I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. I have a master's degree in educational technology. I recently moved to the Netherlands to live in a peaceful and supportive community for the rest of my life. As a member of the Choices family and as a helpline volunteer, I am fully aware of the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and the difficulties they face, such as punishment, discrimination, torture, imprisonment, and in some countries even the death penalty. The Helpline provides you with emotional support to overcome difficult situations, guidance in navigating mental health care, and connecting with Choices psychologists when needed. I also provide information about our programs and services. Call me to confidentially share your feelings, emotions, and concerns, in English or Farsi. EN/FA.
My name is Sam and I am Palestinian. I was born and raised in Dubai, where I went to school and received a bachelor's degree in nursing. I worked in mental health/psychiatry for 10 years. Living in Dubai, I spent most of my life "in the closet," but I decided it was time to get out. That's why I came to the Netherlands, where I can really be who I want to be and not be judged by anyone. Here in the Netherlands, I can be an active member of Choices and help others become who they want to be. I am fluent in English and Arabic (AR/EN).
Peter Shoukry My name is Peter Shoukry, I was born in Cairo, Egypt where I earned a bachelor's degree in Applied Arts. I am gay and proud, I decided to move to the Netherlands to seek protection. Being gay and living in Egypt with a Coptic Christian religious family in a homophobic society was extremely stressful, unsafe and insecure. I fought to move on and be myself. Now I volunteer at Choices where I can help people like me fight for a better life. You are the one who draws the path in your own life. At Choices, we support you to make more informed choices. Call me, I speak Arabic or English. AR/EN
I am Dora, the community mobilizer at Choices. I am from Armenia, where I studied medical biology and worked as a scientist/researcher at the National Academy of Science. There I conducted research on the active properties of newly synthesized organic compounds during different pathological conditions. Outside of my professional life, I dedicated myself to supporting, empowering and educating vulnerable people from the LGBTQI+ community who were struggling with alcohol/drug addictions. Over the years, I have participated in many projects supporting the transgender community with their very specific social and mental/health issues. I am currently continuing my activities at Choices, supporting the LGBTQI+ asylum seeker community If you are looking for solutions for integrating and adjusting in a new country, call the Helpline on Tuesdays 6pm - 9pm and Saturdays 3pm - 9pm. You can also make an appointment by registering as a client on our website. I speak Russian, English and Dutch. (RU/EN/NL)
Transgender Tuesday nights & Saturdays.
Every Tuesday and Saturday night from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., the helpline and live chats are available specifically for transgender asylum seekers and status holders. Click on the online live chat button at the bottom of the page or call 0800-0333.
On Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., you can talk or chat with well-known activists from the transgender community who know about trans-specific issuesand living in the AZC. For example, you can get information about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and starting your transition in the Netherlands in general.
My name is Nana, originally from Ghana and currently living in Gorinchem. I came to the Netherlands on a scholarship to pursue a certificate program in Digital Media to Counter Disinformation. My goal is to use media to change the status quo of discrimination, torture, segregation, abuse and unfair treatment of LGBTQ+ members. With a Master of Arts in Community Development, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the United Kingdom, I bring with me a diverse background in social work and advocacy for social inclusion. My motivation comes from the similarity between my beliefs and the vision of Choices Support Center. As an experienced social worker and advocate, I listen to people, offer guidance on personal development choices and point them in the direction of needed support. We can communicate in English, Twi or Pidgin. Let's work together to address some of your challenges and make the best choices.
Hello, my name is Alexei Lakhov. I am a civil activist currently living in Germany, on the border with the Netherlands, where I had to move from Russia because of my anti-war activities and support for LGBTQ+ rights. I have a master's degree in communications. Before I started volunteering at Choices, I worked as a peer counselor, assisting people with problematic substance use. I was also a peer counselor on the viral hepatitis treatment and prevention hotline, and an online outreach worker. I speak Russian and English. (RU/EN).
My name is Alma. I am half Spanish, half German and will be completing my Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Amsterdam in 2021. I studied psychology because I truly believe in the power of helping others discover their inner strength and potential. Last year I worked at a child support service in Berlin, where my main role was to offer advice and guidance, using empathy and compassion to help them overcome challenges during their stay in the institution. I would like to expand my support, which is why I volunteer at Choices. I am committed to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and hope to make an impact by making sure they receive the respect and acceptance they deserve. I hope I can help you find comfort, safety and a sense of belonging (AND/DE/ESP).
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).
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).
My name is Sevdenur. I am half Turkish and half Belgian, but raised in Portugal and Finland. I am currently studying my bachelor's degree in Psychology at Leiden University, specializing in Clinical Psychology. Through my experiences and social connections, I became more aware of the problems LGBTQ+ asylum seekers face. Therefore, I wanted to be part of this team to provide as much help as possible. My goal is to be available, to listen and let you know that you are heard, accepted and supported, to generally help you feel stronger. That's why I became a volunteer at the Choices Support Center and am studying psychology. I hope I can help you. I speak Turkish, English and Portuguese. (TR/EN/PT).
I am Dora, the community mobilizer at Choices. I am from Armenia, where I studied medical biology and worked as a scientist/researcher at the National Academy of Science. There I conducted research on the active properties of newly synthesized organic compounds during different pathological conditions. Outside of my professional life, I dedicated myself to supporting, empowering and educating vulnerable people from the LGBTQI+ community who were struggling with alcohol/drug addictions. Over the years, I have participated in many projects supporting the transgender community with their very specific social and mental/health issues. I am currently continuing my activities at Choices, supporting the LGBTQI+ asylum seeker community. If you are looking for solutions for integrating and adjusting in a new country, call the Helpline on Tuesdays 6pm - 9pm and Saturdays 3pm - 9pm. You can also make an appointment by registering as a client on our website. I speak Russian, English and Dutch. (RU/EN/NL)
I am Dora, the community mobilizer at Choices. I am from Armenia, where I studied medical biology and worked as a scientist/researcher at the National Academy of Science. There I conducted research on the active properties of newly synthesized organic compounds during different pathological conditions. Outside of my professional life, I dedicated myself to supporting, empowering and educating vulnerable people from the LGBTQI+ community who were struggling with alcohol/drug addictions. Over the years, I have participated in many projects supporting the transgender community with their very specific social and mental/health issues. I am currently continuing my activities at Choices, supporting the LGBTQI+ asylum seeker community. If you are looking for solutions for integrating and adjusting in a new country, call the Helpline on Tuesdays 6pm - 9pm and Saturdays 3pm - 9pm. You can also make an appointment by registering as a client on our website. I speak Russian, English and Dutch. (RU/EN/NL)
Download or scan the QR code for the multilingual Choices app and free psychological helpline download. Our app is available in both the App Store and the Google Play Store.
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
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My name is Ben. I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. I have a master's degree in educational technology. I recently moved to the Netherlands to live in a peaceful and supportive community for the rest of my life. As a member of the Choices family and as a helpline volunteer, I am fully aware of the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and the difficulties they face, such as punishment, discrimination, torture, imprisonment, and in some countries even the death penalty. The Helpline provides you with emotional support to overcome difficult situations, guidance in navigating mental health care, and connecting with Choices psychologists when needed. I also provide information about our programs and services. Call me to confidentially share your feelings, emotions, and concerns, in English or Farsi. EN/FA.
My name is Sam and I am Palestinian. I was born and raised in Dubai, where I went to school and received a bachelor's degree in nursing. I worked in mental health/psychiatry for 10 years. Living in Dubai, I spent most of my life "in the closet," but I decided it was time to get out. That's why I came to the Netherlands, where I can really be who I want to be and not be judged by anyone. Here in the Netherlands, I can be an active member of Choices and help others become who they want to be. I am fluent in English and Arabic (AR/EN).