Need to talk? Text or call 1737 for free, 24 hours a day. It's a new initiative which connects kiwi callers to a trained mental health professional, who can offer free counselling over the phone, and also refer to other services. It's been launched by the Ministry of Health, and Homecare Medical's 'Telehealth' service.
Here's a news story about the new phone/text line. It has a good list at the end of the article - lots of different number you can ring when you need help. I've reproduced that below in case the link up there doesn't work or the article goes offline!
If you're stuck, try picking up the phone. I've volunteered as a phone counsellor for Youthline for a number of years, and highly recommend it as an option to consider.
- Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354
- Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757
- Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116
- Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666
- Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
- Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- 0800 WHATSUP children's helpline - phone 0800 9428 787 between 12noon and 11pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 11pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 5pm to 10pm every day.
- Kidsline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors.
- Your local Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
- Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free.
