LINKS TO FREE COUNSELLING & OTHER SERVICES AND POISONS INFORMATION

FREE COUNSELLING AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)

  • A range of free telephonic and online services are available 24/7.
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567.
  • SADAG Mental Health Line: 0800 456 789 or 0800 21 22 23.
  • Cipla WhatsApp Chat Line: 076 882 2775 (available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week).
  • SMS Service: Send an SMS to 31393 or 32312, and a counsellor will call you back.

NPOwer Support Helpline

  • Offers free, 24/7 support.
  • Helpline: 0800 515 515.
  • SMS: 43010.

Lifeline South Africa

  • Provides 24-hour crisis intervention and confidential telephone counselling.
  • Helpline: 0861 322 322.

HEAL SA

  • Offers free online mental health services for a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety.
  • Website: heal-sa.org.za.

Rape Crisis Helpline

  • English 021 447 9762
  • isiXhosa 021 361 9085
  • Afrikaans 021 633 9229
  • WhatsApp Support Line 083 222 5164

Department of Social Development

  • Operates a 24-hour substance abuse helpline.
  • Helpline: 0800 12 13 14.

POISONS INFORMATION

Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape

  • Provides advice on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of poisoning in adults and children.
  • The service is available 24 hours a day.
  • Emergency number: 0861 555 777.

Poisons Information Centre (Red Cross Children’s Hospital)

  • A specialized center that also operates a 24-hour telephone service for the public and medical professionals.
  • Emergency telephone service: +27 21 689 5227.

OTHER RELATED HELPLINES

  • Childline: Offers support for children and families. Phone: 0800 055 555.
  • Stop Gender Violence Helpline: Phone: 0800 150 150.
  • Gender-Based Violence Command Centre: Helpline: 0800 428 428. You can also use the “please call me” facility by dialling *120*7867#.