The so-called number against grief, a support service for children, young people and adults based in Wuppertal, has recorded a sharp increase in the number of calls due to the Ukraine war.

The children's and young people's telephone is particularly affected, according to a statement from the association on Tuesday.

The war also leaves its mark on younger people.

Those seeking advice, who contact us both online and by telephone, are primarily concerned with questions such as: "Will the war come to us too?";

"Are we sure?";

"How can something like that happen?";

"What can I do?"

Anna Zacharias, spokeswoman for "Number Against Kummer", reports that the main concerns are general.

The children and young people are not affected themselves, but are still afraid of the situation.

"It's mainly about their fear of the war or fear for their own future.

Compassion also plays a big role.

The children wonder if there is anything they can do,” says Zacharias.

How do I declare war on my child?

But it's not just the kids who get involved.

Parents and legal guardians also use the helpline service.

Above all, they needed advice on how to talk to their children about the war and its possible consequences.

Parents are often no less overwhelmed by the dramatic developments in Ukraine than their children.

"Many parents themselves are very stressed by the situation and fear that they will be able to pass it on to their offspring," says Zacharias.

They want to know how to explain the situation to them without scaring or frightening them.

Managing Director Rainer Schütz emphasizes that the advisors take every concern seriously and listen attentively to those seeking advice.

It was “about relieving and stabilizing those seeking advice emotionally through the confidential conversation”.

A conversation would offer a safe space for individual worries and fears.

Concrete solutions are not the focus of the talks.

In a joint discussion, the person seeking advice should be empowered to deal better with the situation that is difficult for them.

Passing on other sources of information is also often found to be helpful.

The “Number Against Kummer” counseling service can be reached on the telephone number 116 111 and online at www.nummergegenkummer.de.