Lifeline Crisis Line

About Lifeline Southern Africa

Lifeline is a leading South African crisis intervention and counselling organisation providing free, confidential, anonymous support to anyone in emotional distress. The organisation operates across eight of South Africa's nine provinces and is a member of Lifeline International.

Services

• National Trauma and Crisis Line (0861 322 322) — 24/7 telephonic counselling averaging 200 calls daily, addressing trauma, suicide ideation, relationship difficulties, grief, loss, and emotional crisis.
• Stop Gender Violence Helpline (0800 150 150) — a toll-free, 24/7 helpline supporting victims, survivors, perpetrators, and witnesses of gender-based violence including women, men, girls, boys, and vulnerable groups. Available in all 11 official South African languages via phone or WhatsApp.
• AIDS Helpline (0800 012 322) — toll-free, 24/7 support for HIV/AIDS-related issues.
• Face-to-face counselling — short-term and crisis counselling at local Lifeline centres for individuals affected by trauma, abuse, domestic violence, depression, and substance abuse.
• GBV support — psychosocial counselling, awareness campaigns, and the Men and Boys prevention programme.
• Community outreach — training community volunteers, awareness campaigns, and prevention programmes.

Who Can Access These Services

Anyone — regardless of age, gender, or background — can call the Lifeline crisis lines at any time or visit a local Lifeline centre for free, confidential counselling. No referral is needed.