Free Phone Helplines
Emergency Services
If you are concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of someone else, dial 111 for emergency services.
The 1737 Service
To talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor any time, 24 hours a day. Phone or text 1737.
Lifeline Counselling Service
Need help right now? Lifeline Aotearoa's telephone counselling service provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week counselling and support.
What's Up - Young People
This is a counselling service for young people up to 18 years of age. Phone 0800 543 754.
Suicide Crisis Helpline
24/7 confidential and free telephone counselling and support service for those who may be thinking about suicide, or for those who are concerned about friends or whanau. This helpline is staffed by highly experienced helpline counsellors with training in suicide prevention and intervention.
Youthline
Youthline offers phone, text, email and online chat counselling. Phone 0800 376 633 or text 234.
The Lowdown
Lowdown counsellors can be contacted anytime by email or text (5626). The website also hosts an online chat forum.
Safe to talk: Sexual harm information and support:
This service is staffed by specialists who are trained in sexual harm support. Phone 0800 044 334, text 4334. The website also has an online chat forum.
Go to the Safe to talk website for information or to chat online. Or email [email protected]
The Outline is an all-ages rainbow mental health organisation providing support to the rainbow community, their friends, whānau, and those questioning. The support line is answered by trained LGBTIQ+ volunteers.
The Depression Helpline from Depression.org.nz offers depression-specific help from trained counsellors. Phone 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
In a mental health crisis, call your local Community Assessment Team:
Nelson & Golden Bay:
Nelson Hospital (after hours ask for the crisis team):
Marlborough:
Other Specialist Helplines:
Alcohol and Drug Helpline online chat or - Phone 0800 787 797
Are You OK? family violence helpline – Phone 0800 456 450
Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 655
Anxiety NZ – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY).
EDANZ – improving outcomes for people with eating disorders and their families. Freephone 0800 2 EDANZ or 0800 233 269, or in Auckland 09 522 2679. Or email [email protected].
Seniorline – 0800 725 463 A free information service for older people.
0508MUSICHELPS – The Wellbeing Service is a 24/7 online, on the phone and in-person counselling service fully funded by the NZ Music Foundation and provided free of charge to those in the Kiwi music community who can't access the help they need due to hardship and other circumstances. Call 0508 MUSICHELP.
Shine – 0508 744 633 confidential domestic abuse helpline.
Women's Refuge Crisisline – 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) (for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family).
Shakti Crisis Line – 0800 742 584 (for migrant or refugee women living with family violence).
Visit The Mental Health Foundation for a full list of helplines, updated March 2022.
Page last updated: 11/11/2022