Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Caretaker Minister, Donika Gërvalla, conducted an official visit on Friday, May 15, 2026, to the headquarters of “Linja e Jetës” (The Lifeline), the country’s sole suicide prevention and emotional support hotline.
Operating on a strictly volunteer basis since 2019, the organization has become a critical pillar for mental health advocacy and crisis intervention in Kosovo.
Honoring Volunteer Dedication
During her visit, Minister Gërvalla met with the center’s Executive Director, Bind Skeja, along with several active volunteers who staff the phone lines daily. She highly commended their continuous, high-stakes commitment to providing free, anonymous psychological support to citizens navigating severe emotional distress.
Gërvalla emphasized that mental health must be treated with the utmost seriousness, calling for a realistic and accessible approach to psychiatric and emotional care across the country.
“Talking is a step, and being heard is a beginning,” Gërvalla remarked. “I thank Executive Director Bind Skeja and all the volunteers of this center for their warm welcome, and especially for the dedication, responsibility, and humanism they demonstrate every single day in the service of saving lives.”
De-Stigmatizing Mental Health in Kosovo
A core objective of the visit was to dismantle the pervasive social stigma surrounding mental health issues in the Western Balkans. Gërvalla closed her visit with a direct message of solidarity to the public, urging anyone experiencing depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation to break the silence.
“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness,” the Minister stressed, encouraging those in distress to utilize the vital resources offered by the center.
Essential Helpline Information
“Linja e Jetës” operates as a toll-free, confidential hotline, offering non-judgmental emotional support to anyone in need.
- Operating Hours: Every day from 18:00 to 22:00
- Cost: Completely free and anonymous
- Mission: Suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and general emotional support.
