50 years of SOS Détresse – Half a century of commitment

This year marks an important moment in the history of SOS Détresse: the 50th anniversary of its founding.

In 1975, inspired by telephone support initiatives that were developing throughout Europe, a group of motivated individuals founded SOS Détresse in Luxembourg. The first board of directors was formed and the statutes were drafted, thus laying the foundations for an organization that would become a pillar of psychosocial support in Luxembourg.

Two years later, in 1977, the telephone helpline service officially began, marking the start of a continuous presence for people in distress.

Over these five decades, the association has evolved: recognition as a public interest organization in 2004, launch of SOS OnlineHelp in 2013, extension of the service in English in 2022, and introduction of direct chat in 2024.

Today, the team composed of volunteers and professionals continues this support mission, guided by the same values of dedication, solidarity and listening that presided over its creation.

This 50th anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge the journey taken, to warmly thank all the volunteers who, throughout these decades, have made the association’s existence possible through their commitment and listening, and to continue being there for all people who need help.

To mark this anniversary, we are organizing a day of workshops and a press conference with our German colleagues from Telefonseelsorge. The day will conclude with a meeting with Family Minister Max Hahn, Saarland Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Magnus Jung, Telefonseelsorge Director Frank Ertel, as well as representatives from the Luxembourg and German press.