September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
10 September 2026
PRESS RELEASE
September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
A comprehensive network of free services for every child provided by “The Smile of the Child” and specialized international partnerships
In memory of 16-year-old Melina, “The Smile of the Child” is strengthening and expanding its services
On the occasion of September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, “The Smile of the Child” highlights the need for early recognition, immediate intervention, and meaningful support for every child and young person experiencing a psychological crisis or exhibiting suicidal ideation or non-suicidal self-harming behavior.
The data recorded by the Organization are particularly alarming:
• 2025: 764 incidents of suicidal and non-suicidal self-harm behavior.
• First half of 2026: 491 incidents of suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-harm behavior
• Summer 2026 (June 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026): 345 cases of suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-harm
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29. (Source: LifeLine International Network).
• In the first half of 2025, LifeLine International members received approximately 10 million calls and communications. At the same time, approximately 100 emergency rescues of people in immediate danger were carried out daily in collaboration with the police and emergency medical services in each country.
A comprehensive network of free services for every child at risk
Faced with this reality, “The Smile of the Child” has developed a comprehensive network of free services covering the entire spectrum of crisis management: prevention, immediate response, protection, psychosocial support, and therapeutic intervention.
- Immediate Help and Support – 24 hours a day
Helplines and hotlines are a key tool for direct communication with children, adolescents, parents, educators, and professionals:
• National Helpline for Children SOS 1056
• 116111 – European Helpline for Children and Adolescents
- 116006 – European Helpline for Victims of Crime
• Chat 1056
These services are free, operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and allow for anonymous or named communication. With a maximum wait time of 12 seconds, recognized as Emergency Hotlines and linked to the European Emergency Number 112, the Organization’s services can immediately activate the appropriate protection mechanism when a child is in immediate danger.
The network is supported by 13 interconnected centers throughout Greece, as well as an Emergency Call Center at the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos.”
The services hold European Certification with a 100% score, confirming the quality and effectiveness of their operations.
- Immediate Response and Protection in Cases of Danger
When a child or young person is in immediate danger to their life or safety, our intervention is not limited to providing counseling support. “The Smile of the Child” activates, where necessary, the relevant authorities and makes the necessary referrals to ensure the child’s protection.
Collaboration with the following agencies is crucial:
• Hellenic Police Cybercrime Directorate – 11188
• Emergency Response Directorate – 100
• European Emergency Number – 112
• EKAV – 166
- Psychotherapeutic and Psychosocial Support
Through the “House of the Child” Psychotherapeutic Day Center, specialized psychotherapeutic support is provided to children and adolescents facing serious mental health challenges or who have experienced trauma.
At the same time, the Mobile Psychosocial Support Unit helps provide psychosocial care services, and this support extends to the child’s family and caregiving environment.
- Prevention Before a Crisis Occurs
“The Smile of the Child” implements interactive prevention and awareness-raising initiatives aimed at children and adolescents, parents and guardians, educators, professionals, and the general public.
The goal is to provide information, raise awareness, help identify warning signs, and encourage seeking help early, before a difficult situation escalates into a crisis.
At the same time, online experiential support groups for parents and guardians are organized with the goal of empowering parents and strengthening their ability to respond to the needs of children and adolescents.
The Power of Collaboration and International Expertise
“The Smile of the Child” is a member of the LifeLine International Network, a global network of 39 organizations in 30 countries, with the shared goal of reducing the risk of suicide and ensuring universal access to crisis response services.
At the same time, it is a member of Child Helpline International, a global network of 150 helplines for children, promoting the exchange of expertise, experience, and best practices.
In memory of 16-year-old Melina, “The Smile of the Child” is strengthening and expanding its services
The parents of 16-year-old Melina, who lost her life so prematurely, turned their grief into an act of generosity and love for children.
They asked anyone who wished to do so to make a donation to “The Smile of the Child” in memory of their daughter. The response was heartwarming: hundreds of donations were made from Greece and across Europe, raising a total of 34,182.75 euros.
In consultation with Melina’s parents, the funds will be used to support the initiatives planned and implemented by “The Smile of the Child” for the prevention and management of mental health issues, suicidal tendencies, and non-suicidal self-harming behaviors among children and young people.
This donation is an act of love that transforms a deeply personal loss into support and hope for other children and young people.
