Advice and support
143.ch Dargebotene Hand
A resource for emotional first aid. Counseling for adults dealing with everyday worries, loneliness, addiction, violence, suicidal thoughts, or physical ailments. Counseling is available in German, French, Italian, or English by phone, chat, or email. Phone number: 143
143.ch Heart2Heart
Whatever you’re going through, Heart2Heart is there for you. We offer support from 6 to 11 pm, anonymously and free of charge. Call 0800 143 000
147 Pro Juventute
Support for children and young people with worries, problems, or questions, big or small. Counseling is available by phone, WhatsApp, or email; see website below. Phone: 147 Available 24/7, free and confidential.
augenauf Zürich
Information and referrals regarding asylum issues and related matters. Investigating potential police misconduct, arbitrary actions/harassment by authorities in asylum centers, police prisons, during arrests, deportations, etc. Publishing a media bulletin on this topic at least every three years. Consultation: only available online (website below) and by phone (+41 44 241 11 77, voicemail) as we do not have an office.
Berufs-, Studien- und Laufbahnberatung Kanton Zürich
Education and Careers in Switzerland: Free brief consultations without appointment Career information centers (biz) are located in the Canton of Zurich in Horgen, Kloten, Meilen, Oerlikon, Urdorf, Uster, and Winterthur; see link below.
DU für alle - Diakonie Uster
Social support and pastoral care – open to everyone. Assistance with finding housing, financial worries and health insurance premiums, family problems, violence, separation, residency rights, etc. Make an appointment by phone or WhatsApp at 078 720 09 82
DU für alle und Familienzentrum Uster - Writing Service
The writing service offers support with understanding and writing letters, filling out forms and online registrations, and other administrative challenges. Free of charge, no registration required.
Infopoint Stadt Illnau-Effretikon
Do you have questions about your life in Illnau-Effretikon and in Switzerland? We are happy to provide you with information about work and the school system, German courses, healthcare, housing, childcare, etc.
Information Line for Refugees in the Canton of Zurich
Free telephone advice on everyday life topics in various languages. (Call or text, WhatsApp, voice message) Information lines in Ukrainian and Russian: T 079 942 62 59 / 079 729 56 23 Information lines in Arabic: T 079 343 34 74 / 079 832 86 52 / 079 947 32 52 Information line in Dari and Farsi: T 079 941 69 39 Information line in French, English, and German: T 079 832 86 52 Information line in Pashto: T 079 941 69 39 Information line in Sorani: T 079 947 32 52 Information line in Tamil: T 079 227 36 95 Information line in Kurmanji and Turkish: T 079 943 18 73 Info line in Tigrinya: T 079 792 50 51
Interkulturelles Forum Pfäffikon - Help with letters and forms
Help with letters and forms. We can help with applications and CVs, writing letters, writing resignations, filling out forms, if you don't understand a letter, etc. Contact person: Caroline Bobek
Kath. Pfarrei St. Benignus - Social Counseling Pfäffikon
- Counseling on topics such as work, health, education, refugees, loneliness, aging, etc. - Support during precarious phases of life - Referral to information and support services - Assistance with clarifications from authorities and with administrative tasks - Referral to specialized agencies, if necessary - Advice on financial difficulties. The counseling is free of charge. Our services are available to all people, regardless of religion or origin, who live in the parish area of Pfäffikon ZH, Russikon, Hittnau, or Fehraltdorf.
Kulturschule Dietikon (Life in Switzerland)
Course: LIFE IN SWITZERLAND. Providing basic information about Swiss culture and values, as well as democracy, equality and gender relations, appointments, punctuality, healthcare, and communication.
Kulturschule Dietikon (Living in Switzerland)
Course: LIVING IN SWITZERLAND. Provides basic information on how to properly find accommodation and manage a household, as well as on rights and obligations.
Kulturschule Dietikon (Working in Switzerland)
Course: WORKING IN SWITZERLAND. Provides basic information on the topic of work and improving opportunities in the job market, as well as on job searching, training, undeclared work and the application process.
Opferhilfe Schweiz - Victim Support Switzerland
Help for all people in Switzerland who have been physically, psychologically, or sexually harmed by a crime. Free, confidential, anonymous, and available throughout Switzerland. Victim support centers in the various cantons: https://www.opferhilfe-schweiz.ch/de/wo-finde-ich-hilfe/ (see link below) Brief information in many languages: https://www.opferhilfe-schweiz.ch/de/ (see link below)
Parentu – Advice app for parents in 15 languages
Parentu sends parents all the important information about their child's development via push notifications. Available in 15 languages. Topics include growing up, education, and child-rearing. Parents receive suggestions for structuring everyday family life, as well as information on events and current news in the region. Professionals can find information for their counseling work. The app can be downloaded for free from the website; see the link below.
Perspektiven – Studium
Did you start a degree program in your home country that you had to drop out of? Or do you already have a degree from your home country that isn't recognized here? On our website (www.perspektiven-studium.ch) you'll find lots of information about studying and support programs for refugee students. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us by email (perspektiven-studium@vss-unes.ch) to arrange a consultation.
Platforme Traite
The Swiss Platform Against Human Trafficking – Plateforme Traite – is a nationwide network of non-governmental organizations that support victims of human trafficking. Do you need help? Please find more information below (translated into 19 languages) https://plattform-menschenhandel.ch/brauchen-sie-hilfe/
Reformierte Kirche Dietikon- Sozialberatung
Social counseling. Advice for people in need (for residents of Dietikon)Discussing the current situation, support in finding suitable services, etc.
Schreibdienst Opfikon/Glattbrugg
Help with letters, forms and other writing.Do you need help with job applications, writing letters, or filling out forms? Volunteers are happy to help you in the writing service!No registration required.
Schreibdienst Stadt Illnau-Effretikon
Support in understanding and writing letters, forms, CVs, applications, etc.
Schreibdienst Thalwil
Help with letters and forms for people with a foreign language backgroundHelp with understanding and writing letters, filling out forms, creating application letters and cover letters
Schreibdienst Wetzikon (for the Hinwil district)
Help with resumes, applications, forms, letters, and reading aids.No registration required.
Schreibstube Regensdorf
Reading and writing support
Schuldenberatung Kanton Zürich
Debt counseling. Professional advice on all debt-related issues. Assistance with creating payment plans and debt restructuring strategies. Review of the legitimacy of claims. Support with negotiations with creditors. Comprehensive advice on personal bankruptcy. Suggestions for budget optimization. Courses and counseling for professionals, family members, employers, and other interested parties on the topic of debt. Prevention events in schools and businesses. Counseling services in Zurich and Winterthur.
St. Agatha & St. Josef Dietikon - Sozialberatung
Social counselling by Claudia Gaus, social worker
Stadt Winterthur, Sozialberatung
Social Counselling. The Social Services Department focuses primarily on social assistance, asylum, vocational and social integration, and advance maintenance payments.The Central Contact Point (ZAS) clarifies eligibility for social assistance. ZAS staff provide counseling for up to six months.
Sui SRK App - Self-help and information
Sui SRK App for refugees: Self-help, support, and information on everyday topics and mental health. Currently available in German, French, English, Arabic, Ukrainian, Farsi, and Turkish. Download via the website (see below).
Tello - Open Consultation Thalwil
This service is ONLY for residents of Thalwil. Specialists provide support, advice, and information in difficult life situations, with problems, or with complex questions – simply, free of charge, and without obligation.
UFS - Advice on social welfare law
The UFS provides free advice, support, and representation to people affected by poverty regarding social welfare law. It also conducts training courses on social welfare law and advocates publicly for dignified social welfare benefits. Areas of responsibility: Cantons of Zurich, Aargau, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Schaffhausen, Glarus, Graubünden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, and Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
Winterhilfe Zürich - Multicheck aptitude analysis for young people
Free aptitude test for career choice for young people from the Canton of Zurich. Registration via form, see link below.
ZBA Zürcher Beratungsstelle für Asylsuchende
Legal advice, representation, and support for asylum seekers in the cantons of Zurich and Glarus. We speak German, English, and French. For all other languages, you will need to arrange your own translator.