About Us - CHS - Community Help Service

OUR STORY

CHS is a non-profit making organisation based in Brussels, which exists to support the English-speaking community by providing accessible, trustworthy, confidential and dependable mental health support. It has been in operation since 1971.

With the help of a team of trained volunteers, we run a 24-hour Helpline that takes thousands of calls each year from people suffering from anxiety, depression, loneliness and other mental health issues. We are also able to support newcomers to Belgium with a range of information resources.

In addition, we provide in-person consultations at our Mental Health Services Centre which is staffed by a professional team offering a range of services for the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation in matters of mental health and related problems.

Through our dedicated team of professional therapists and volunteers both on the Helpline and in the CHS office, we offer a safe space for individuals of all ages to seek assistance, guidance and reassurance, ensuring that help is available 24/7.

Since CHS has been in existence it has built up an expertise, second to none, in providing listening and professional therapeutic support, to the range of difficulties encountered by people who turn to it in times of stress.

OUR HISTORY

In the late 1960s the need to provide support to the growing English-speaking expatriate community in Belgium was identified. At the time, there was a steady influx of English speakers arriving in Brussels in the context of the ongoing negotiations between Ireland and the United Kingdom to join the European Economic Community (now the EU).

Both in-person and telephone-based support was provided from the late 1960s, thanks to a team of volunteers. This led to the establishment of the ASBL “The Help Contact Centre” which was later restructured and renamed: Community Help Service (CHS).

Originally, CHS was focused on operating the Helpline with a team of trained volunteers. The majority of calls at the time, related to the need for practical information as callers relocating to Belgium were in search of resources, in the pre-internet world!

The CHS Helpline continues to provide practical information, but today it mainly operates as a support and crisis Helpline, in response to a growing general need in society for Mental Health support.

The Mental Health Services Centre was subsequently opened, responding to the need for longer-term in-person mental health support. The MHSC is staffed by a team of professional therapists with a range of experience and disciplines, offering appointments in English as well as other languages.

Today, CHS’s reach goes far beyond the English-speaking expatriate community. Callers and clients are from English-speakers of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

“Community Help Service is a unique organisation. Its 24/7, anonymous, and confidential Helpline is run entirely by dedicated volunteers, providing support and assistance to thousands of callers each year. In addition, the Mental Health Services Centre offers a range of professional mental health services in English and other languages through our Clinical Team. A separate team of affiliated professionals offers expertise in mindfulness, eating disorders, family mediation and therapy, as well as life and career coaching.

Whilst CHS was originally founded to serve the British and American communities in Belgium, today the European Union’s membership has grown, and so, too, has Belgium’s English-speaking community. With an increasing awareness of the importance of mental health in our modern society, CHS is uniquely placed to provide succour, support and a listening ear to those in need.

I am proud to be associated with CHS!”

Jeremy Jennings, President of the CHS Council

OUR HISTORY

The CHS Helpline continues to provide practical information, but today it mainly operates as a support and crisis Helpline, in response to a growing general need in society for Mental Health support.

Today, CHS’s reach goes far beyond the English-speaking expatriate community. Callers and clients are from English-speakers of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Jeremy Jennings, President of the CHS Council

THE WAY WE WORK

CHS is a non-profit organisation registered under Belgian law, which has been supporting the English-speaking community of Belgium since 1971. CHS is a member-based organisation. The General Assembly is composed of the membership as defined in the CHS Statutes. The General Assembly meets annually with specific statutory obligations, including the election of a Council and approval of the annual budget. The Council has a strategic and oversight role and is assisted by the Executive Committee which is responsible for the operational aspects of CHS.

CHS COUNCIL

The CHS Council comprises representatives from a diverse array of sectors, representing a cross section of the English speaking community in Belgium. This includes members from multinational corporations, small businesses, churches, and legal and financial firms, ensuring a comprehensive representation of community interests. Despite receiving no financial compensation, Council Members generously contribute their time and expertise, underscoring their dedication to community service.

JEREMY JENNINGS | PRESIDENT

Jeremy Jennings arrived in Belgium in 1990 as Head of Regulatory Affairs at Arthur Andersen.

He later joined EY, where he served as Regulatory & Public Policy Leader until his retirement at the end of 2016.

Throughout his career, Jeremy has held several prominent leadership roles, including President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Vice-President of COBCOE, the umbrella organisation for British Chambers across continental Europe.

He also served as President of Professional Accountants in Belgium and was a Board member of the Boitsfort Rugby Club until 2022.

Jeremy joined the CHS Council in May 2018 and has served as President since 2019.

STEPHEN MAZURKIEWICZ | TREASURER

Stephen Mazurkiewicz arrived in Belgium in 1986 as a newly qualified accountant, intending to spend a few years abroad before returning to the UK.

Nearly 40 years later, he is still here. Over the course of his career, he has worked for large American corporations, specializing in accounting, audit, and systems.

An active member of the expat sporting community, he has been both a player and treasurer for the Royal Brussels British Football Club.

Now, he is eager to contribute in new ways, bringing his financial expertise to CHS in his role as Treasurer.

JOHN CHALMERS | EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER

John Chalmers is a journalist with 35 years of experience, primarily with Reuters as a correspondent and senior editor.

His career has taken him to nearly 50 countries, with postings in France, Belgium, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

He has covered conflicts and humanitarian crises worldwide, winning several press awards, including a Pulitzer Prize as part of a Reuters team reporting on the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar.

As External Relations Officer for CHS, John leads efforts to raise awareness of the 24/7 Helpline, attract volunteers, and secure funding.

He is also actively involved in Serve the City Brussels, where he leads a project teaching English to refugees.

BEVERLEY WARNER-KELTJENS | ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER, CHS OFFICE

Beverley Warner-Keltjens leads the team of Office volunteers at CHS. She first arrived in Brussels many years ago, living and working here for about eight years before embarking on a journey with her family, living in various countries. Upon returning to Brussels, she was eager to make a meaningful contribution to the community and found that opportunity at CHS. She is grateful to be part of the organisation and to support its important work.

SIMON DWYER | HELPLINE SUPERVISOR

With over 20 years of experience in mental health and wellbeing, Simon Dwyer is a skilled counsellor, psychotherapist, organisational psychologist, and coach. He also brings extensive training as a mindfulness and meditation instructor—something he considers essential to his own life. Passionate about personal growth, Simon thrives on helping people deepen their self-understanding and develop the tools they need to reconnect, regain balance, and live with confidence and purpose.

CHANA SCHNEPS | HELPLINE SUPERVISOR

VANESSA GOODMAN | CLINICAL TEAM REPRESENTATIVE

Vanessa Goodman is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience. She has worked with a wide range of psychological issues, including trauma, grief, and coping with cancer. Born to French and British parents, she has lived and worked in several European countries, an experience that has deeply influenced her approach to therapy. In 2020, she returned to Brussels, where she now serves as a clinical director of the clinical team.

MARTA NOORDHOEK | CLINICAL TEAM REPRESENTATIVE

Marta Noordhoek is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with extensive experience working with adults. Currently a member of the clinical directorate at CHS, Marta contributes to a team dedicated to providing high-quality mental health care. Originally from Kraków, Poland, Marta has lived in Belgium since 2009. Prior to joining CHS, Marta worked at the Military Hospital in Wrocław, Poland, and at Psygroup in Brussels, gaining valuable experience in diverse clinical settings. Marta is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing work and mission of CHS.

JULIE-ANNE STENNETT | SECRETARY

Julie-Anne Stennett has lived in Belgium since 2002, initially working with a charity focused on children and youth. After a few years, she transitioned into a role as a Special Needs teacher, where she first connected with members of the CHS community. Many of the children she worked with were assessed at CHS, with some receiving therapy and parental support. This experience allowed her to share valuable information about the CHS Helpline with parents, colleagues, and friends in need. Recognising her insight into the educational sector, she was invited to join the CHS board to provide a school’s perspective.

NOEL CLEHANE I MEMBER

Noel Clehane, a chartered accountant from Ireland, moved to Belgium in 2004. Married with three children, he serves as the Global Head of Public Policy for the professional services organisation BDO. A former chairman of the European Services Forum and an ICAEW Council Member for the EU, Noel joined the CHS Council in early 2024.

NIKI SOUTINE | MEMBER

Niki Soutine has lived in Brussels for over two decades, working in a freelance capacity while earning a degree in psychology and raising two children. She also dedicated five years as a Helpline volunteer at CHS before joining the Board in May 2016. Currently, she serves as the School Secretary and Assistant to the Head at ISF Waterloo International School.

MALCOLM JOHNSON | MEMBER

Malcolm Johnson arrived in Belgium over 40 years ago. After a decade of teaching, he transitioned into business and international human resource management, working with several large firms before becoming an international HR consultant. His wife, Françoise, is French, and their two sons live in Belgium. It was his son’s early struggles with the complexities of bilingualism that first brought the Johnson family to CHS. Grateful for the support they received, Malcolm joined the Council as a way to give back. Since then, he has played a key role in expanding CHS’s business connections, representing the organisation in the community, securing sponsorships, and organising fundraising events.

JONATHAN MURRAY | MEMBER

Jonathan Murray, a dual Belgian and UK national, has extensive experience in telecoms, technology, finance, and education. Based in Brussels since 2000, he has held leadership roles at France Telecom, the trade association DIGITALEUROPE, the think tank Friends of Europe, and the International School of Brussels. He currently serves as COO of the trade body IAB Europe. Jonathan has also been a board member of the Jane Goodall Institute Belgium and the European Institute for Industrial Leadership, joining CHS in 2023. A dedicated practitioner of mindfulness and meditation, he is passionate about ice baths and cold showers.

PATRICK OLIVER | MEMBER

Patrick Oliver first arrived in Belgium in 1974 as a 10-year-old with his parents and returned in 1991 to build his career. He began as a lawyer in Brussels with a Franco-American law firm before joining the European Commission. He later served as Head of the Law Societies’ Joint Brussels Office and as Managing Director of European Government Relations at Accenture. Since 2016, he has been the Executive Director of IP2Innovate. Throughout his time in Brussels, Patrick has held leadership roles on the Boards of Directors of both the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU. He joined the CHS Council in March 2023.

MICHAEL PENNING | MEMBER

In 1967, while working with the Federation of World Health Foundations in Geneva, Michael Penning gained his first experience in private-sector fundraising to supplement WHO’s budget. As Secretary of the Fondation Suisse pour la Santé Mondiale, he gained valuable insight into fighting disease in underserved regions. Drawn by an opportunity in the automotive sector, he moved to Belgium to establish a company importing British products—unexpectedly making Brussels his home. Years later, in 2006, he encountered CHS through the Tri-4-Life European Challenge, inspiring his commitment to supporting the English-speaking community.

HELPLINE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD

All Helpline volunteers remain anonymous

Stay informed

NEWS & EVENTS

Too many calls. Help

March 24, 2022

Following an unprecedented increase in suicide calls in 2021, CHS urgently needs more volunteers for its 24/7 English-language helpline.

The non-profit organisation operates the free helpline service from its mental health services centre in Ixelles.

“We desperately need more volunteers,” says one of the voluntary team who represents the body to CHS’s board of directors. For the past six months, the service has been operating with only 15 people instead of the preferred contingent of around 30.

24/7 HELPLINE

March 14, 2025

Thank you! Saint Anthony’s Parish, Kraainem

Community Help Service would like to acknowledge the generous donations made by the parishioners of St Anthony's from the collections over the weekend of the 25th & 26th January 2025 which totalled an incredible 1679,34 euros.

Two CHS volunteers (Geoff and Yvonne) spoke about the essential support that our English-speaking Helpline can offer people in times of distress.

All of the funds go directly to supporting the CHS Helpline which is staffed by dedicated volunteers.

Thank you so much for your support to Community Help Service.

Beating the winter blues

January 19, 2025

With the days still short and temperatures low, many people experience a feeling of lethargy, sadness, or a general sense of melancholy often referred to as the "winter blues."

The lack of sunlight and increased time indoors can contribute to a dip in mood and energy levels. But there is good news – there are many effective strategies to combat these seasonal challenges and keep your spirits high throughout the winter months.

The clinical team at the Community Help Service (CHS) Brussels-based Mental Health Services Centre have provided some tips on how to beat the winter blues and embrace a brighter, healthier year ahead.

Get In Touch

COMPLAINTS & FEEDBACK

Complaints

If you have any concerns or should you wish to make a general complaint about the Mental Health Services Centre or the Helpline service, you may email us at: office@chsbelgium.org.

Should the complaint relate to the professional conduct of a specific member of the Clinical Team then please address your email to complaintsct@chsbelgium.org

Your concern or complaint will be handled in confidence in accordance with our internal procedures, and you may request that your identity not be divulged beyond the limited group of persons assessing the concern and possible responses or remedies.

You may also contact the regulatory bodies of the profession if you have concerns about the conduct or practice of doctors or psychologists. The Offices at the Mental Health Services Centre at CHS can also provide the contact points for the regulatory bodies responsible for the relevant profession in Belgium.

General feedback and comments

Please submit general feedback on your experience with CHS using the form below:

OUR STORY

OUR HISTORY

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

OUR HISTORY

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

THE WAY WE WORK

CHS COUNCIL