Through anonymous, professional and accessible listening, Mama Chat fights violence, eating disorders, depression, panic attacks, fragile motherhoods and inequalities. The ease of communication via confidential chat is designed specifically without registration and payment barriers. This makes it simple and safe for anyone to ask for help, even those who are less digitised and has opened the doors to psychological support via chat in Italy.

The service was in high demand from the outset and the team saw a need to provide an online counselling service. They applied for the Google-org grant to fund this initiative and also to create new content to support their users across issues such as domestic abuse, sexual violence and mental health.

Key insights

• Mama Chat saw a surge in activity during Italy’s first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, with sessions up by more than 70%.
• Their focus moved to the online counselling service and the grant enabled four team members to be hired and online service hours to increase.
• A second Google.org grant means that they can now put more of their efforts into creating content that promotes awareness of the issues and offers advice.