About us
When you call, you'll speak to a trained, supervised volunteer. Someone who chose to give their time so that nobody has to struggle alone.
The HelpLine was founded in 2019 in response to tragic teenage suicides within the Jewish community. For too long, stigma kept people from speaking up. We wanted everyone to have somewhere safe to turn.
With guidance from the community's Rabbis and leaders, together with mental health professionals, our volunteers offer a listening ear, emotional support and, where needed, crisis support and signposting to further help.
280 volunteers answer calls, and calls to our helpline doubled in two years (2023 to 2025). We began in the UK, launched in the USA in 2023, started answering calls in Belgium in April 2026, and are now open in Gibraltar too.
Our volunteers live across numerous countries. When it is the middle of the night for you, it is daytime for someone else, so the line stays warm and awake without anyone working exhausted night after night. Our volunteers are spread across the world, which keeps your call even more anonymous.
But every number is one person, on one night, deciding to reach out. That's who we're here for.
Not lecture, not judge, not rush. Your story, in your words.
Our volunteers are all Jewish. They know the warmth and the pressures of Jewish life.
We can't see or track your number and no name is needed. What you share is treated confidentially.
Day and night, every day of the week, whenever you're ready.
We can't see or track your number No name needed Confidential support
June 2019
The HelpLine opens for eight hours a week, with 17 volunteers.
April 2020
Hours grow to 10am to 10pm, Sunday to Thursday.
October 2020
The line opens day and night, every day of the week, with 50 volunteers.
June 2022
Our own phone system launches, built with 3Sixty.
2023
The HelpLine opens in the USA.
April 2026
We begin answering calls in Belgium, and open in Gibraltar.
Today
280 volunteers across numerous countries, with calls answered in around 20 seconds.
The people who lead, train and support our volunteers. Our listeners themselves stay anonymous, so you can speak freely.
Co-founder
Founded The HelpLine with Shaya Halpern in 2019. Rabbi AY has worked with struggling teens and their families for over 18 years, supports families and victims of abuse across the UK and beyond, and speaks to parents around the world.
Co-founder
Over 20 years supporting struggling teens, including those facing suicidal thoughts, substance misuse and mental health difficulties. Shaya advises families on treatment and support, and his guidance helps The HelpLine thrive.
Training and supervision
Founder and Director of Tahel, a women's crisis centre in Israel. Debbie has helped communities worldwide set up helplines, including ours, and provides in-depth training, one-to-one support and supervision to our volunteers and team.
Head of Operations
Shloimie oversees the day-to-day running of The HelpLine. He manages our accounts, budgets and technology, and turns our call data into the reports that guide how we support callers and volunteers. He also leads on grant applications and works closely with the team on fundraising and campaigns, so the line can keep growing.
Chair of Trustees
David chairs The HelpLine's board of trustees, leading its governance, structure and growth, and driving innovation in how we support callers and volunteers.
Volunteer Liaison
Sharna is the first point of contact for our volunteers. She manages the rota so every shift is covered, arranges cover when plans change, and welcomes new volunteers through onboarding, training and our buddy system. She keeps everyone up to date, and organises the events and appreciation that let our volunteers know how much they're valued.
Volunteer guidance
Over 40 years teaching in the Jewish primary sector, and a counsellor on a national children's phone line. Liz is a main point of contact for volunteers who need real-time guidance or want to talk after a shift.
Leadership
Part of The HelpLine's leadership since the beginning, and involved in many communal organisations.
Trustee
Shloimy serves on The HelpLine's board and leads our expansion in the United States, helping bring the line to more communities across America.
Men and women, across numerous countries, who complete rigorous training before they answer a single call. Warm, patient and trained to truly listen without judgement, they give you space to talk and help you find your next step.
Somewhere tonight, someone is working up the courage to dial. Your gift, or your time as a volunteer, means a warm voice picks up.
Never Struggle Alone