The National Coordination for the Support of Students (CNAE) is a support line that was launched at the end of 2023 by the association En avant toute(s). Louise Delavier, 33 years old and coordinator of programs for the association, which fights for gender equality and works to prevent violence, especially among young people, explains how the service was developed. The CNAE was created in response to the government’s desire to address student well-being in a way that was more accessible and appealing to young people than traditional institutional programs. En avant toute(s) was already partnered with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research in their national action plan against sexist and sexual violence, which helped to bridge the gap between their generation and existing support structures.
The CNAE operates a chat service where young people can discuss their problems with trained professionals and has been successful in reaching out to young people in need. The organization won a public contract to operate the support line and has recruited psychologists and social workers to provide assistance. The service was launched in October 2023 and has been steadily receiving more calls over time, with an average call duration of 30 minutes but the ability to extend longer if necessary. The support line is open from 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. The calls have revealed a lot of social isolation among young people, particularly those who are far from their families or home countries, as well as others facing precarity or struggling in their studies. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has compounded these issues, with many feeling like they have lost valuable time in an uncertain world.
The support provided by the CNAE includes listening to students’ concerns and directing them towards appropriate resources. This support extends to addressing workplace issues, such as problems encountered during internships at hospitals for medical students, and instances of discrimination, sexual violence, and harassment. The professionals at the CNAE are able to quickly identify situations of violence based on the narratives shared by the callers and can refer them to relevant services, such as the police’s chat service for criminal offenses. They also help those in psychological distress access medical and psychological support centers, though the wait times for these services can be quite long. In these cases, the CNAE offers ongoing support to the individuals while they await their appointments.
Overall, the CNAE’s support services are crucial for providing assistance to students facing a variety of challenges, from social isolation to mental health issues to workplace discrimination. By offering a confidential and free support line staffed by trained professionals, the organization is able to effectively reach out to young people in need and guide them towards the necessary resources for help. The increasing number of calls received by the CNAE underscores the importance of such services in addressing the complex and diverse needs of students in today’s challenging environment. The organization’s commitment to providing ongoing support and follow-up care demonstrates their dedication to helping young people navigate difficult situations and access the assistance they require to thrive in their academic and personal lives.
