Major grant strengthens Kirkens SOS chat service for people in crisis

The Kavli Trust awards three million kroner to Kirkens SOS to expand and develop its chat service for people in need of someone to talk to.

“We at Kirkens SOS are incredibly proud and grateful for the funding from the Kavli Trust to strengthen our chat service. By increasing staffing and further developing the service, we want to ensure that more young people have access to a compassionate person who can listen and support them when life feels difficult,” says Acting Secretary General of Kirkens SOS, Asle Bjorvatn.

Saving lives

Kirkens SOS is Norway’s largest 24-hour suicide prevention helpline and has for several years offered an anonymous, low-threshold chat service for anyone in need of someone to talk to. Young people make up a large share of those using SOS Chat.

Written conversations offer strong anonymity for those reaching out. The opportunity to chat makes it easier for many—especially young people—to express thoughts and feelings, according to Bjorvatn and Kirkens SOS.

“The Kavli Trust is pleased to help strengthen a service that we know can be crucial for many young people in crisis. Through safe and accessible help, the service lowers the barriers to seeking support, reduces loneliness, and helps prevent serious mental health challenges,” says Ingrid Paasche, General Manager of the Kavli Trust.

Kirkens SOS has seen a 40 percent increase in inquiries to the service over the past three years, making it the fastest-growing part of the organization’s crisis services.

“This project will not only save lives but also promote coping skills and quality of life for those who prefer to communicate in writing. Many young people find it difficult to talk to an adult when life feels unbearable,” says Asle Bjorvatn.

Chat for Life

Through the project “Chat for Life,” Kirkens SOS aims to meet the growing demand and ensure that more young people receive the support they need.

All Kirkens SOS conversation services are operated by trained volunteers who complete a mandatory introductory course. Over the next three years, the organization will expand capacity by recruiting and training more volunteers to staff the chat service.

Concrete and focused efforts

SOS Chat was launched in 2010. The Kavli Trust has previously supported Kirkens SOS in developing the chat service through a three-year grant from 2017.

“We now look forward to contributing to an even stronger service. By supporting Kirkens SOS, we help their work with volunteers who play an invaluable role for people in need of someone to talk to. This aligns with our vision of addressing today’s societal challenges through concrete, targeted initiatives that truly make a difference,” says Ingrid Paasche.

Summary

Grant amount: NOK 3 million
Recipient: Kirkens SOS
Project: Expansion and development of SOS Chat
Project period: 2025–2027

Facts about Kirkens SOS

• Norway’s largest 24-hour helpline, established in 1974
• Includes 11 local SOS centers and a national secretariat in Oslo
• Offers anonymous support by phone, message, and chat for anyone in need of someone to talk to
• Aims to provide relief for people in emotional and existential crisis and to prevent suicide
• Receives around 300,000 inquiries annually
• Has nearly 1,000 active volunteers and 60 employees
• With support from the Kavli Trust, the chat service will be upgraded to reach even more people in need