New internet helpline for children launched – Kellimni.com

The site aims to help children deal with any problems they may encounter from minor issues like where to go to learn to play a musical instrument to serious issues such as abuse.

The interactive site was set up by the partners when they noticed a gap in the market. Research shows that children are more likely to seek help over the internet than to pick up the telephone.

The service will be launched slowly so that teething problems can be avoided. Project co-ordinator James Buhagiar said “The target group of minors is a very vulnerable group and even small mistakes are unacceptable. For this reason we are starting the service with email access and will eventually set up forums and chat where children will be able to gain access to support.”

Claudia Taylor East, managing director of SOS Malta said the partnership was created to ensure that services are not duplicated and compete against each other but instead support existing services to provide a holistic solution for children experiencing problems in Malta.

The service will be promoted in schools with the partners going directly to heads of schools and PSD teachers.

The service will work in collaboration with Agenzija Appogg’s emergency line 179, where crisis situations will be referred.

Kellimni.com is also linked to international helpline group Child Helpline International. Thomas Mueller, project manager of Child Helpline International expressed the importance of coming together to form one voice which may influence decision makers.

“There are 122 full members of Child Helpline International in 160 countries and we are pleased to welcome Malta to the fold.”