Helplines

Below is a list of some of the services available in New Zealand that offer support, information and help.

NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 – a trained counsellor is available 24/7.

Lifeline 0800 543 354 or text ‘help’ to 4357 – provides 24/7 confidential support from qualified counsellors and trained volunteers.

Chinese Lifeline 0800 888 880 – trained operators offer support in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Samaritans 0800 726 666 – provides confidential, non-judgemental, and non-religious support through volunteers from the community. This is a 24/7 service for those who may be experiencing loneliness, depression, despair, distress, or suicidal thoughts.

Whatsup 0800 942 8787 Mon-Fri 12pm-11pm Sat/Sun 3pm-11pm or webchat at www.whatsup.co.nz Mon – Fri 1pm-10pm Sat/Sun 3pm-10pm. A safe place for rangatahi aged 5-18 years old to talk. Sponsored by Barnardos.

Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234 or webchat www.youthline.co.nz

Family Services 211 Helpline 0800 211 211 – a helpline to help find community-based health and social support services in a person’s local area.

Healthline 0800 543 754 – staffed by registered nurses who can provide free health information and advice 24/7.

Rural Support 0800 787 254 – provides free and confidential support to people in the Waikato, Hauraki and Coromandel farming communities.

Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202. Trained counsellors available to talk to you about how you are feeling or if you want to ask a question, plus information on how to help someone else.

Anxiety Helpline 0800 269 4389 – free 24/7 service. Provides specially trained and understanding volunteers for people who are feeling anxious and would like to talk to someone about anxiety or seek advice for a friend or family member.

Meth help 0800 6384 4357 – talk confidentially about methamphetamine or P-related issues. Provides advice, self-help material, follow-up services, brief interventions to cut down or stop methamphetamine use, assistance finding and getting treatment, support to people waiting for face-to-face counselling, and support for whānau/family and friends of someone using methamphetamine.

Shine 0508 744 633 – a free helpline to provide support to people who have been victims of family violence. 0800 543 354 or text ‘help’ to 4357 – provides 24/7 confidential support from qualified counsellors and trained volunteers.