How can Lifeline help?
Lifeline exists so that no one in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. Whether you're in crisis, feeling lost, or just need someone to listen, our trained crisis supporters are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week offering free and confidential support.
Our crisis supporters help by:
- Listening without judgement
- Giving you space to talk or write about what’s on your mind
- Helping you make sense of what you’re feeling
- Supporting your safety and wellbeing
- Working with you to decide any next steps, if that’s something you want.
We know that reaching out for support can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to have the ‘right words’ or even fully understand what you're feeling. Many people start by saying, 'I don’t know why I called.' You can begin wherever you feel comfortable, and trust that we’ll be here to listen.
Keep reading to learn how to connect with a Lifeline Crisis Supporter and what to expect when you reach out.
How can I contact Lifeline?
You can:
- Speak with us by calling 13 11 14
- Text with us by sending a message to 0477 13 11 14
- Chat with us online by visiting lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat
Our services are free, confidential, and available 24/7 across Australia.
Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who'd prefer being supported by mob?
When you call 13YARN (13 92 76), you’ll have a confidential, one-on-one yarn with an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. Visit 13yarn.org.au to learn more.
What happens when I call, text, or chat with Lifeline?
Everyone’s different, and the way you reach out for support is completely up to you.
Some people prefer to text because they’re at school, work, or in a public place where they can’t speak freely. Others may not feel ready for a voice conversation, and that’s okay. Whatever your reason, we’re here to support you in a way that feels comfortable.
Below, we've outlined what it's like to call, text, or chat online with a crisis supporter.
- Calling 13 11 14
- When you call 13 11 14, you’ll hear a short message before being connected with a crisis supporter
- Once connected, the crisis supporter will invite you to share what’s on your mind
- You can take your time, and you don’t have to give your name or any personal details
- Depending on your needs, they'll work with you to support your safety and identify any next steps you want to take after the call.
- Texting 0477 13 11 14
- Chatting online
If you’re placed in a queue, please know that we haven’t forgotten you. We understand that waiting can feel frustrating, especially when you need support, but please hold on. A crisis supporter will be with you as soon as possible.
If you're feeling distressed and want something to help you cope while waiting, you may find a grounding technique like box breathing to be helpful. Click here to learn more about grounding techniques and how to use them.
“The crisis supporter wasn’t overwhelmed by how I was feeling. I knew if I had called a friend or family member, they would have been scared. But she wasn’t. She was everything I needed in that moment. And because of her, I got home safe and found the courage to call my GP the next day.”
Frequently asked questions
Is Lifeline confidential?
Yes. Lifeline is a confidential service. You don’t have to share your name or any personal details if you don’t want to.
How long can I speak with a crisis supporter?
There’s no set time limit, but calls, texts, and chats are designed to provide short-term crisis support. Our crisis supporters will listen, help you feel heard, and support you in the moment. If you need ongoing care, they can talk with you about possible next steps.
Does Lifeline offer counselling or ongoing support?
Lifeline supports the delivery of a number of other services, some of which offer ongoing counselling. Click here to learn more.
Will I speak with the same crisis supporter if I call again?
Our calls and chats are routed nationally so we can answer you as quickly as possible. This means you’ll likely speak with a different crisis supporter each time you contact us. Every crisis supporter is trained to listen without judgement and provide the support you need in that moment.
Are Lifeline’s services free?
Yes. Calling 13 11 14 is free from all mobile and landline phones in Australia, and our text (0477 13 11 14) and online chat services are also completely free.
What if Lifeline doesn’t feel right for me, but I still need support?
If speaking with a Lifeline Crisis Supporter doesn’t feel right for you, that’s okay. There are many other ways to find support. You might prefer to explore resources on your own, connect with a professional, or try an online community.
You can:
- Stay in the Support Toolkit: Discover practical techniques and strategies, hear stories from others, or learn about common mental health topics.
- Talk to a GP: They can help you create a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which provides access to Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist or counsellor.
- Explore other support services: Depending on what you're going through, there may be a specialised service that suits your needs. Visit our support services page or use Lifeline's Service Finder to find local and national options.
- Browse online tools and forums: You might find support through peer-led communities like Lifeline Forums, ReachOut Forums, or other mental health apps and websites. Click here to discover tools and apps that can help you look after your wellbeing.
There’s no right or wrong way to get support. What matters is finding what works for you. Reaching out for support, whatever that looks like for you, is something to be proud of.
