Lifeline

Lifeline

Phone 131 114

Lifeline provides 24-hour telephone counselling, information and referral through 60 Centres throughout Australia. You can call Lifeline from most parts of the country for the cost of a local call on 131 114 (it will cost more if you call from a mobile phone).

Volunteer counsellors answer your calls

Lifeline's counsellors are trained volunteers recruited from all age groups. Many are young people. You will speak with whoever is on shift when you call at the nearest Lifeline Centre or another centre close by.

People call to talk about everything from daily hassles to crisis and ongoing problems. Callers have said things like: "After talking with a counsellor I felt less alone... like someone listened and understood how I felt...", "The counsellor helped me sort out what to do next and gave me choices about where to get more help."

If Lifeline is busy, keep trying

Sometimes the line may be busy. If this happens, stay with it. You will get through eventually. It's still quicker than making an appointment to see a counsellor. And it's a step towards further help if you want it. When you get through, you will have the counsellor's undivided attention.

If you can't get through, and it's an emergency, call 000. There are other emergency numbers listed in your local White Pages.

Seeing a counsellor

Some Lifeline Centres offer face-to-face counselling. You can call 13 11 14 to find out if this is available in your area. They can also tell you about other help that is available. In some cases you can make an appointment with a Lifeline counsellor by calling the office number of the Lifeline Centre in your areas - listed in the White Pages.

What you say is confidential

The service is Confidential and you don't have to give your name. However if you need Lifeline's help to stay safe in a crisis, they will work with you to get help. They will also work with you to sort things out.

There are other people to talk to

Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800)  or beyondblue Directory of Medical and Allied Health Practitioners .

You can also read about other services on this site or check out the Yellow Pages