Jena, May 14, 2026 – Telefonseelsorge Ostthüringen is expanding its services and planning to introduce digital chat counseling in the future. To fund this modern support service, a fundraising campaign has been launched on the local platform JenaCrowd.
- Institution: Telefonseelsorge Ostthüringen
- Project: Introduction of chat counseling for those seeking help
- Funding: Crowdfunding via JenaCrowd (Stadtwerke Jena)
- Quick help: Free by phone at 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222
Human Contact Remains Irreplaceable
The way people communicate in crisis situations is changing. In addition to traditional phone calls, emotional support in written form is increasingly becoming a focus. While modern technologies and so-called Large Language Models (AI) are now capable of formulating surprisingly empathetic responses, those responsible for the counseling service emphasize that they can never replace real human contact, even at a purely text-based level.
The crowdfunding project therefore aims to equip real, empathetic counselors to answer inquiries and provide the necessary secure technical structure. The campaign is supported by JenaCrowd, the digital donation platform of Stadtwerke Jena.
Background: Telefonseelsorge and JenaCrowd
Telefonseelsorge offers people in emotional distress anonymous, low-threshold, and free support. The shift toward text communication (email and, in the future, increasingly chat) lowers the barrier to seeking help – especially for younger generations who often prefer writing over speaking.
The platform JenaCrowd by Stadtwerke Jena enables local associations and initiatives to fund such socially relevant projects through many individual donations from the community (crowdfunding).
Anyone in urgent need of help can reach Telefonseelsorge nationwide around the clock, anonymously and free of charge at 0800 111 0 111, 0800 111 0 222 or via the Europe-wide number 116 123.
Source:
Pastoral Care in Transition – Crowdfunding to Enable Help via Chat
Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.