Crisis and support resources

If you need urgent support, the services below provide crisis, counselling and emergency assistance in South Africa. Call charges and operating hours vary by service.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger

10111Police emergency. 24 hours, every day.
112Emergency from a mobile. 24 hours, every day.
10177Ambulance and emergency medical services. 24 hours, every day.

Crisis and counselling lines

Suicide Crisis Helpline
If you are having thoughts of suicide, or are in crisis.
0800 567 567
- Phone24 hours, every day
- SMS 3139324 hours, every day
Free to call.
Cipla Mental Health Helpline
General mental health support and counselling.
0800 456 789
- Phone24 hours, every day
- SMS 3139324 hours, every day
- WhatsApp 076 882 277508:00 to 17:00
Free to call.
SADAG Mental Health Line
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group. Counselling, information and referrals.
011 234 4837
- Phone8am to 8pm, every day
Lifeline South Africa
General crisis counselling and emotional support.
0861 322 322
- Phone24 hours, every day

Specialist support

Childline South Africa
For children and young people, and adults worried about a child.
116
- Phone24 hours, every day
Free to call.
Gender Based Violence Command Centre
Support for anyone experiencing gender based violence.
0800 428 428
- Phone24 hours, every day
Free to call.
Substance Abuse Line
Department of Social Development line for substance use.
0800 12 13 14
- Phone24 hours, every day
- SMS 3231224 hours, every day
Free to call.
ADHD Helpline
Information and support for ADHD.
0800 55 44 33
- Phone8am to 8pm, weekdays
Free to call.
Police and Trauma Line
Trauma counselling, including for police members and their families.
0800 20 50 26
- Phone8am to 8pm, every day
Free to call.

Phapano Directory is an information service. We are not an emergency service and cannot provide crisis support ourselves.