The “Helpline” is the first independent, free peer-support telephone counselling service in Germany for journalists experiencing work-related stress. It is run by Netzwerk Recherche e.V. and is primarily funded by grants and by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM). As part of an evaluation, the work of the Helpline is to be scientifically monitored in order to gain a better understanding of mental health and to establish effective support services on a long-term basis.
The scientific monitoring is based on three pillars:
1. Qualitative guided interviews with the founders and peer counsellors
2. Analysis of evaluation questionnaires completed by the peer counsellors after the telephone calls
3. Literature review and theoretical framework
Key data
Project duration: October 2025 – November 2026
Based at: Mindful Media Lab, Institute for Culture and Media Management, University of Music and Theatre, Hamburg
Project leader: Prof. Dr Barbara Hans
Project coordinator: Christiane Löll
External funding body: Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM)
