In crisis? Helpline numbers for all ages

Kathy Hunter
Published by
March 16, 2022

Phoning a stranger to ask for help can seem a bit strange, but sometimes the very fact that they don't know you and aren't emotionally involved in your situation can be very helpful!

The people on the end of these phone lines are trained, kind and non-judgmental – they will be able to figure out whether you just need someone to listen or whether some practical suggestions might help. 

General Help

  • Need to Talk? - free call/text 1737
    Talk with a trained counsellor, anytime.

  • Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or free text "Help" to 4357
    For counselling and support.

  • Healthline - 0800 611 116
    For advice from trained registered nurses.

  • Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand - 0800 726 666
    Confidential, non-judgemental and non-religious support for anyone who is lonely or in emotional distress.

  • Depression and Anxiety Helpline - 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
    Talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions.

  • Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 TAUTOKO (0508 828 865)
    A free nationwide service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week which is operated by highly trained and experienced telephone counsellors who have undergone advanced suicide prevention training.

For young people and tamariki

  • Youthline - 0800 376 633 or free text 234
    For young people and their parents, whānau and friends.

  • Kidsline – 0800 543 754 (0800 KIDSLINE) for up to 18 years old
  • 0800 What's Up? - 0800 942 8787 11.00am - 11.00pm or webchat at whatsup.co.nz 10.30am to 11.00pm.
    Free, nationally-available counselling helpline and webchat service for children and teenagers.

  • The Lowdown - 0800 111 757 or free text 5626. Email and webchat at thelowdown.co.nz 
    Support for young people experiencing depression or anxiety.
  • www.sparx.org.nz – online self-help game tool to combat depression or anxiety.

For parents, whānau and friends

  • Alcohol Drug Helpline - 0800 787 797 or free text 8681 | alcoholdrughelp.org.nz
    Maori Line - 0800 787 798 | Pasifika Line - 0800 787 799 | Youth Line - 0800 787 984
    For people dealing with alcohol or other drug problems.

  • Family Drug Support Aotearoa New Zealand - 0800 337 877 | fds.org.nz
    Support for family/whānau impacted by the alcohol and other drug use of family/friends.
  • PlunketLine - 0800 933 922
    Support for parents, including mothers experiencing post-natal depression.

  • Rape Crisis - 0800 883 300
    For support after rape or sexual assault.

  • OUTline - 0800 688 5463 (Monday to Friday 10.00am - 9.00pm, weekends 6.00pm - 8.00pm)
    Call to discuss topics around sexual orientation, gender identity and diverse sex characteristics. 

  • Women's Refuge Crisis Line - 0800 REFUGE (0800 733 843)
    Support for women experiencing family violence crisis, women will be put in contact with a refuge in their area.

  • Shakti Crisis Line - 0800 742 584
    For migrant or refugee women living with family violence.

  • Refugees as Survivors - 0800 472 769
    Psychological support for refugees and asylum seekers.

  • Rural Support - 0800 RURAL HELP (0800 787 254)
    For people in rural communities dealing with financial or personal challenges.

  • Victim Support - 0800 842 846 
    Provides 24-hour emotional support, personal advocacy and information to all people affected by crime and trauma throughout New Zealand.