Anyone who feels uncomfortable walking home at night can now take advantage of a new service in Frankfurt: the nationwide Heimwegtelefon (Home Phone) service is now also available to citizens of the Main metropolis. The aim is to strengthen the subjective feeling of safety – a concern that, according to city officials, is becoming increasingly important, especially in urban areas.
Tina Zapf-Rodríguez, the city's councillor for women's issues, expressly welcomed the launch of the service. "Feeling safe when you're out and about should be a matter of course – and yet it often isn't," she said. The Heimwegtelefon service can help to restore a sense of normality and reassurance. The service is aimed at everyone, regardless of gender or identity: "It accompanies anyone who wants it – women, men and queer people – on their way home."
The Heimwegtelefon can be reached free of charge on 0800/464 84 648. The lines are open Sundays to Thursdays from 9 p.m. to midnight and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Specially trained volunteers remain on the phone throughout the journey home and, if requested, provide guidance and a feeling of companionship. In acute danger situations, they alert the police or emergency services. The city announced that it will soon be promoting the new service via its social media channels and online platforms. Posters, flyers and other information materials will be distributed gradually throughout the city to raise awareness of the service.Further information can be found on the website heimwegtelefon.net.
