Community Help Service (CHS) is a non-profit organisation established in 1971 as a resource for the English-speaking expatriate population of Belgium. Since then it has developed its telephone Helpline, its Mental Health Centre and its Educational Testing Services to encompass the many different expatriate communities in Belgium who find it easier to use English rather than one of the official languages of Belgium. Since CHS has been in existence it has built up an expertise, second to none, in providing solutions, through therapeutic support, to the range of difficulties encountered by the people who turn to it in times of stress.
How CHS Helps
CHS clients come from all parts of the world. They call the Helpline if they are facing a crisis in their lives, or if they have a straightforward request for information. They come in for therapy, or they seek testing for children with learning difficulties or emotional problems. The Helpline is staffed by a team of trained and dedicated volunteers as is the CHS administrative office. The Mental Health Centre is staffed by a team of health care professionals – psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists. By contacting CHS, clients take the first steps toward understanding and adjusting to the demands of life as an expatriate. It can take just one phone call to help someone through a crisis, or set up a course of therapeutic treatment.
"What makes Community Help Service such a special part of Belgium’s international community? I would suggest it’s the range of services we offer and our professional, multi-lingual therapeutic team who work in a mutually supportive way to deliver these services. It’s the 24/7 Helpline whose trained and dedicated volunteers are willing to listen at any time of the day or night, providing solace, support and practical information. It’s the volunteers who work hard each day running the office and taking on Board responsibilities. I am very happy to be part of this unique organisation and I look forward to its future growth and development."
Geoff Brown, Chair of the CHS Board