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Free, confidential support from a helpline or hotline near you. Online chat, text or phone.

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12 helplines listed

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AL-ANON Family Groups South Africa

Offers 24/7, free, compassionate and confidential support by phone for anyone affected by a relative or friend's drinking problem.

Substance use
0861 252 666 WhatsApp Email Website

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Alcoholics Anonymous South Africa

Dedicated to providing 24/7, free, compassionate and confidential support over phone for alcohol addiction.

Substance use
0861 435 722 Email Website

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Childline South Africa

Provides 24/7, free and confidential support over phone and online chat for children and youth up to 18, and adults concerned about children. Offers counselling for abuse, bullying, family issues and connects callers to social workers or authorities when needed.

Depression Family Gender & sexual identity Loneliness Parenting Self-harm Sexual abuse Substance use
116 Email Website

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Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line

24hr helpline offers 24/7, free and confidential support by phone and SMS (32312) for substance abuse. Provides counselling, referrals and WhatsApp support via Ke Moja.

Parenting Substance use
0800 12 13 14 WhatsApp Website

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Lifeline South Africa

Provides 24/7 free and confidential counselling support by phone for mental and emotional health issues, including trauma, depression, family, grief, loneliness, pregnancy, sexual abuse, and substance use.

Depression Family Grief & loss Loneliness Pregnancy & abortion Sexual abuse Substance use Trauma & PTSD
0861 322 322 WhatsApp Email Website

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Netcare Akeso Crisis Line

24/7 telephone service where trained crisis line counsellors guide you through an immediate mental health emergency or crisis and facilitate access to care, including information about mental health services and facility navigation.

Depression Grief & loss Loneliness Self-harm Substance use Suicide Supporting others Trauma & PTSD
0861 435 787 WhatsApp Website

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Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust Helpline

Provides free and confidential counselling support to survivors of rape and sexual violence of all gender identities. Counselling support can help you process your emotions, teach you ways to cope, and enable you to take care of yourself.

Family Sexual abuse Supporting others Trauma & PTSD
021 447 9762 WhatsApp Email Website

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South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)

At the forefront of patient advocacy, education and destigmatisation of mental illness in South Africa. Provides 24/7 crisis helplines, counselling, and over 180 support groups for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.

Depression Relationships Substance use Suicide Supporting others Trauma & PTSD
0800 567 567; 011 234 4837 WhatsApp Website

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South African Federation For Mental Health Helpline

Provides free, compassionate and confidential support by phone. Helps everyone in South Africa experiencing emotional distress related to sexual abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety and many other issues, offering information and referrals.

Depression Family Gender & sexual identity Grief & loss Pregnancy & abortion Relationships Sexual abuse Substance use Suicide Supporting others Trauma & PTSD
+27 11 718 1852 WhatsApp Email Website

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Stop Gender Violence Helpline

Offers 24/7, free and confidential support and information over phone. Supports everyone in South Africa who may be looking for support with abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse. Counselors listen with empathy and work together to find a meaningful way forward, in all 11 official languages.

Depression Family Gender & sexual identity Grief & loss Loneliness Parenting Relationships Self-harm Sexual abuse Suicide
0800 150 150 WhatsApp Email Website

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Tears Foundation

Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, counselling, and prevention education services for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. Links survivors to medical care, shelters, legal support and follow-up services nationwide.

Depression Grief & loss Relationships Sexual abuse Supporting others Trauma & PTSD
08000 83277 Email Website

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Triangle Project

Non-profit human rights organisation offering professional services, counselling, support groups, and a helpline for LGBTQI+ persons, their partners, and families. Supports issues including gender identity, relationships, trauma, depression and self-harm.

Depression Family Gender & sexual identity Relationships Self-harm Substance use Supporting others Trauma & PTSD
021 712 6699 Email Website

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