First Line
Free, anonymous psychological support for people affected by, or afraid of, political persecution and for their families; an information line and safety guides.
If Telegram doesn't open: website
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@FirstLineHelpBot
Need psychological support
Draft First minutes: what human rights defenders usually advise
Need psychological support
Draft. Compiled from human rights groups' guides but not yet reviewed by a lawyer. This is not legal advice — check the linked sources and consult a lawyer.
- Anxiety, sleeplessness and burnout after a search, a loved one's arrest or years of activism are common reactions. Human rights groups advise not waiting until things get really bad.
- It is better to turn to projects that work with activists and people facing persecution: you don't have to explain the context, and it is safer than telling a random therapist about your views.
- You can get a session anonymously and by text. You don't have to give your name or the details of your case.
- Families of political prisoners need support too: they burn out just as often as activists do.
- Where to turn: First Line (@FirstLineHelpBot), Nora's psychological service (@nora_psyhelp_bot), and Sphere for LGBTQ+ people.
Designations of organisations in this guide: Sphere (foreign agent, "LGBT movement" designated extremist). Contacting them carries a risk: do not write from a phone that may be seized, and do not repost their materials.
current as of September 25. More: First Line; Nora
Who helps
3 organisationsNora
Help for activists, volunteers, political prisoners and their families: free sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist, a peer-support bot and a legal team.
If Telegram doesn't open: noraforpeople@gmail.com · website
Message the bot
@nora_psyhelp_bot
Sphere
Legal, psychological and emergency help for LGBTQ+ people from Russia.
The 'LGBT movement' is designated 'extremist' in Russia. Contact Sphere from a device that is not checked.
If Telegram doesn't open: website
Message the bot
@spherehelpbot