Talk to someone

There are a number of helplines that you can call for support, information and help.

General health information

  • HealthlineFree call 0800 611 116, anytime of the day 24/7, to get advice from a trained registered nurse. Healthline can also arrange an interpreter if you need to talk to someone in your own language.

Addictions

  • QuitlineFree call 0800 778 778, anytime of the day 24/7, for support to quit smoking and stay quit.
  • Alcohol Drug HelplineFree call 0800 787 797 or text 8681, anytime of the day 24/7, for advice, information and support about drinking or other drug use. Calls and texts are free and confidential.  Online chat is also available.
  • Gambling HelplineFree call 0800 654 655 or text 8006, anytime of the day 24/7, for support if you are affected by or worried about gambling or the gambling of others. You’ll talk or text with a trained counsellor. Calls and texts are free and confidential.
  • RecoveRingFree call 0800 678 789. A dedicated helpline for offenders and prisoners (and their whānau and families who are helping them) who need support with their alcohol or drug use.

Mental health & wellbeing

  • Need to talk? Free call or text 1737, anytime of the day 24/7, if you’re feeling out-of-sorts, overwhelmed, anxious, a bit down or just need someone to talk to. You’ll talk or text with a trained counsellor. Calls and texts are free and confidential.
  • Depression HelplineFree call 0800 111 757 or text 4202, anytime of the day 24/7, to talk to a trained counsellor about how you’re feeling or to ask any questions. Calls and texts are free and confidential.
  • Lifeline Free call 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or text 4357 (HELP), anytime of the day 24/7, for support from qualified counsellors and trained volunteers about a range of issues. This could include psychological and emotional distress, financial and work issues, marriage and family problems and with callers who are lonely, ill, depressed or the victims of violence or abuse. Calls and texts are free and confidential.
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline – Free call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO), anytime of the day 24/7, for support from a trained counsellor, if you think you, or someone you know, may be thinking about suicide. Calls are free and confidential.
  • Anxiety phone line – Free call 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY), anytime of the day 24/7, if you’re feeling anxious and would like to talk to someone about anxiety relief. Calls are free and confidential.
  • SamaritansFree call 0800 726 666, anytime of the day 24/7, for support if you’re feeling worried, stressed, lonely, depressed, or suicidal. Calls are free and confidential.
Mental health & wellbeing – Children & young people
  • thelowdown.co.nz – Free call 0800 111 757 or text 5626, anytime of the day 24/7, if you’re feeling down or anxious aren’t sure what support you need. You’ll talk to a trained counsellor who can find the best way to help you. Calls and texts are free and confidential. You can also email The Lowdown Team: team@thelowdown.co.nz
  • Youthline – Free call 0800 376 633 or text 234, anytime of the day 24/7, if you’re having difficult experiences or feelings. Youthline can listen to you concerns and help you figure out what’s right for you. Calls and texts are free and confidential. You can also email Youthline: talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
  • What’s Up – Free call 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds) to talk with a trained counsellor who can help you find solutions to the challenges and issues you face. Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily. Calls and chats are free and confidential.
  • Kidsline –  Free call 0800 54 37 54 (0800 KIDSLINE) for young people up to 18 years of age.  Call anytime of the day 24/7 and Kidsline listen to what you’ve got to say and will support, encourage and help you come up with the best approach to what’s happening for you.
  • SPARX.org.nz –  online e-therapy tool provided by the University of Auckland that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed.
Mental health & wellbeing – Older people
  • Elder Abuse Support ServiceFree call 0800 32 668 65 (0800 EA NOT OK), anytime of the day 24/7. Registered nurses can provide you with information and support about elder abuse. Calls are free and confidential.
  • Seniorline – Free call 0800 725 463 . A free information service for older people.
Mental health & wellbeing – Parents, family & friends
  • Are You OK Free call 0800 456 450, 9am – 11pm daily.  Family violence helpline that can provide information and put you in touch with services in your own region. Calls are free and confidential.
  • Women’s Refuge CrisislineFree call 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE), anytime of the day 24/7, for information, advice and support about domestic violence as well as help in a crisis. Calls are free and confidential.
  • Shine –  Free call 0508 744 633, 9am – 11pm daily, if you’re experiencing domestic abuse or concerned about someone you know. Calls are free and confidential.
  • Shakti Crisis Line  Free call 0800 742 584, anytime of the day 24/7, for migrant or refugee women living with family violence. Calls are free and confidential.
  • Vagus Line – Free call 0800 56 76 666, 12pm – 2pm Mon, Wed, Fri. Vagus Line promotes family harmony among Chinese, enhance parenting skills, decrease conflict among family members (couple, parent-child, in-laws) and stop family violence.
  • Parent Help Free call 0800 568 856, 9am – 9pm daily, for parents/whānau seeking support, advice and practical strategies on all parenting concerns. Calls are anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential.
  • SkylightFree call 0800 299 100, 9am – 5pm daily, for support through trauma, loss and grief.
  • Supporting Families In Mental Illness –  Free call 0800 732 825, 8.30am – 5pm weekdays, for families and whānau supporting a loved one who has a mental illness.
  • Family Services 211 Helpline –  Free call 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community based health and social support services in your area.

Other specialist helplines

  • Poisons adviceFree call 0800 764 766 (0800 POISON), anytime of the day 24/7, for professional and timely advice during poisoning incidents.
  • Immunisation adviceFree call 0800 466 863 (0800 IMMUNE), 9am – 4.30pm weekdays, for advice about immunisation and vaccination-preventable diseases.
  • The Diver Emergency Service (DES) – Free call 0800 4 DES 111 (0800 4337 111), anytime of the day 24/7,  for advice on diving related incidents, accidents or injuries, including the emergency management of decompression illness.
  • OUTLine NZ – Free call 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE), 10am – 9pm weekdays and 6pm – 9pm weekends, for support with sexuality or gender identity. Calls are free and confidential.
  • 0508MUSICHELP – Free call 0508 MUSICHELP, anytime of the day 24/7,  for 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.