It’s not easy to move to a new country and if you’re finding it hard to adjust or settle into life in Graz, experiencing personal issues, need some legal advice on immigration, or just feeling isolated and looking to connect with other people, here are some resources you can turn to for help. Most are free and can offer support in many different languages.

The team at ZEBRA offers counseling, support and answers to your questions regarding immigiration, intercultural psychotherapy, and family counselling. Psychotherapy Hotline: 0800 799702 Simultaneous translation for many languages is available. The hotline is staffed Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

CARITAS also has a hotline for legal advice for refugees and migrants 0316/8015-300 from Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. –12 p.m. E-mail at fl.rechtsberatung@caritas-steiermark.at. They can also provide emotional and psychotherapy support for women during pregnancy, dealing with postpartum depression, loss of a baby, violence at home etc. Plus support for both men and women dealing with addiction or alcohol, or those in extreme financial need. They can offer support in many languages.

Caritas DIVAN offers free help and support for migrant women in cases of domestic violence and forced marriages. Contact Frau Krobath-Fuchs at 0676 88015 744 (Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) or by e-mail at divan@caritas-steiermark.at. Counseling is provided in Arabic,Turkish, Farsi/Dari, Spanish, Russian, Kurdish, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, French and English.

If you are a woman experiencing abuse you can call the Frauenhelpline on 0800 / 222 555. They are available 24 hours, and can speak in Arabisch, Bosnisch-Kroatisch-Serbisch, Englisch, Rumänisch, Spanisch und Türkisch.

The Women’s Shelter of Graz (Frauenhaus) provides immediate help for women and children in cases of domestic violence and abuse: . Emergency number: 0316 42 99 00 E-Mail: beratung@frauenhaeuser.at

The Frauenservice on Lendplatz offers women’s counselling via telephone, online or in-person for a wide range of issues . For example regarding your legal rights (also in cases of divorces etc), psychosocial issues, financial issues or discrimination. They can also help with domestic conflict, including mobbing or stalking. Contact the staff at the Frauenservice to schedule an appointment (available in many different languages). Telephone: MO-Fr, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at +43 316 71 60 22

The Abuse Protection Center (Gewaltschutzzentrum) also offers support in cases of abuse: 0316 / 77 41 99 Monday – Wednesday 8:00 – 16.00, Thursday 8:00 to 20:00, Friday 8:00 – 14:00. Social workers and lawyers can offer advice and even accompany you to court.

The Women’s Health Center of Graz (Frauengesundheitszentrum) offers psychological counseling and support. Make an appointment: +43 316 83 7998. First session is free, and then at affordable prices. Translators and childcare can also be arranged.

OMEGA offers intergration support and psychological counseling, for example help with filling out forms/documents, support in dealing with authorities (low income support, pension and other social benefits, etc.). Plus assistance in finding therapy and other support options. 0316 77 35 54, sekretariat@omega-graz.at Mon, Tues, Wed and Fr 8:30 – 16:30.

If you are a male experiencing a personal crisis or feeling overwhelmed, you can contact:

Männernotruf at 0800 246 247 or hilfe@maennernotruf.at 24/7 They will listen and provide support for dealing with stressful situations, family relationships and crisis, emergency shelter etc.

Männerinfo at 0800 400 777 24/7 Interpreters are also available. They can provide support in coping with stressful situations, arrange for further information, counselling services, emergency sleeping facilities, legal counselling, anti-violence training etc.

Verein für Männer- und Geschlechterthemen Steiermark – they also offer workshops on fatherhood, divorce rights, men’s health etc, and have regular coffee mornings for men to support each other, plus Psychotherapy and counselling.

For women looking to connect with other women for friendship and support – the following on-line facebook groups are very helpful for advice – Women in Graz (International women) and Graz Wunderweiber (Graz locals, in German but very useful for advice with personal issues). To meet people in person the following two international groups have regular meet ups and events – IWA (International Women Association) and the Seddwell Center (international cultural and art hub open to all genders!). You can read about other English speaking meet ups here.

The city of Graz also has a good list of organisations that can provide assistance for many situations.

Thank you to Sara Crockett for her contributions to this post!

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