Free helplines, any time

Tap a number to call. All calls to the 0800 lines are free.

• National Shelter Helpline (NSMSA)0800 001 00524 hours, toll-free — help finding shelter after abuse
• GBV Command Centre0800 428 42824 hours, toll-free — gender-based violence support
• Childline South Africa11624 hours, toll-free — for children and teenagers
• SAPS Emergency10111Police emergency, any time
• Substance Abuse Helpline (Social Development)0800 12 13 1424 hours, toll-free — drug and alcohol help
• Suicide Crisis Helpline (SADAG)0800 567 56724 hours, toll-free — someone to talk to
• Higher Health student crisis line0800 36 36 3624 hours, toll-free — students at universities, TVET and CET colleges
• Western Cape Social Development Helpline0800 220 250Toll-free — shelter, social services and family support in the Western Cape
• City of Cape Town Emergency Line021 480 770024 hours — emergencies and street people referrals in Cape Town
• Ke Moja substance abuse chat087 163 2025WhatsApp, 8am–5pm — for young people