Support and Assistance
After a traumatic event, it is normal to feel shock, anxiety, or distress. Professionals are available to listen — both immediately and in the long term.
LAVI Victim Support Center (Valais)
Victim Support Center (LAVI)
The LAVI Center provides free support for victims and their families:
- Counseling and psychological support
- Help with administrative and legal procedures
- Possible compensation (medical costs, damages, moral harm)
Phone: 027 606 30 30
Email: lavi@admin.vs.ch
Free and confidential service — no deadline to reach out.
Local psychological support unit (January 2026 measure)
On January 6, 2026, the Canton of Valais stated that a support unit was being maintained for affected individuals, reachable on 076 834 97 05.
Source: Canton of Valais, January 6, 2026. No later information confirms that this unit is still operating; for support today, the LAVI Centre remains available with no time limit.
Beloved Foundation
Support for victims and their families
Set up on 27 March 2026 by the canton of Valais, the Beloved Foundation supports the victims of the fire and their families. It is endowed with 24 million francs from the cantons of Valais and Vaud, the municipality of Crans-Montana and private donors. It is chaired by Doris Leuthard.
Its support covers in particular vocational retraining, psychological care and financial assistance to families in need. It supplements statutory benefits without replacing them.
As of 7 September 2026, the foundation had received some seventy applications.
Helplines (24/7)
La Main Tendue: 143
Anonymous, free listening service, 24 hours a day.
| Service | Number | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| La Main Tendue | 143 | General public, anonymous |
| Pro Juventute | 147 | Children and youth (up to 25) |
The January 2026 reception arrangements
Family assistance centre — closed
During the emergency phase, relatives were received at the Le Régent Congress Center, Route des Mélèzes 28 in Crans-Montana, where psychologists and counsellors were on hand.
The centre was closed at the end of the emergency phase, as was the helpline associated with it.
Who can benefit from support
- Victims' families — awaiting identification or grieving
- Witnesses and survivors — people present during the fire
- First responders — firefighters, paramedics, police
- Local residents — affected local community
- Extended circle — friends and family of those directly affected
Warning signs
Seek help if you or someone you know experiences:
- Persistent sleep difficulties
- Repeated flashbacks or nightmares
- Intense anxiety or panic attacks
- Unusual isolation
- Increased alcohol or medication use
- Dark thoughts
Additional resources
- Family doctor — Can refer to a specialist
- Valais Red Cross — Psychosocial support
- Caritas Valais — Social support
For children and teenagers
Children and teenagers may react differently to trauma. Watch for behavioral changes.
Pro Juventute: 147 — Dedicated youth line, free and anonymous.
The return to school on 5 and 6 January 2026
Crisis protocol put in place at the return to school
Counselling units with psychologists were deployed in affected schools. The arrangements described below were those of the first days of January 2026.
Canton of Vaud
- 70 psychologists deployed across the canton
- 20 schools requested support
- Gymnase de Chamblandes (Pully) — hardest hit school, several students deceased, 15 psychologists on site
- Tests suspended, dedicated spaces for discussion
Canton of Valais
- Psychological support in all classrooms
- "Factual, clear and empathetic" message delivered by each teacher
- Content adapted to students' age
Other French-speaking cantons
- Geneva, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Jura: support measures put in place
On Friday, January 9, schools in Haut-Plateau were closed in the afternoon for the national day of mourning.
Source: RTS, State Councillor Frédéric Borloz, January 6, 2026.