Directory of SA support services

Knowing which South African support services to call for different needs makes it easier to reach the right help quickly.

2 min read · Awareness resource · Reviewed 2026-09-15

Sometimes the hardest part of getting help is simply knowing who to call. Having a clear list of trusted South African services on hand can make reaching out much easier.

What it is

South Africa has a range of national helplines and support services covering mental health, suicide risk, gender-based violence, and general emergencies. These services are free or low-cost, staffed by trained counsellors or emergency responders, and available to anyone in the country. Knowing which one fits your situation helps you get to the right support faster.

Signs to notice

You might need this directory if:

You are unsure who to call for a mental health concern versus a medical or safety emergency.
You are supporting someone else and need to guide them to the right service quickly.
You have never used a helpline before and want to know what to expect.
You want to prepare in advance, before a difficult moment arrives.

What helps

Save these numbers in your phone under clear names, such as "SADAG Crisis Line," so they are easy to find under stress.
For suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis: SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24 hours a day, on 0800 567 567 or by SMS to 31393.
For general mental health support, information or referrals: SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837.
For police emergencies or immediate danger: SAPS on 10111.
For medical emergencies: ambulance services on 10177.
For gender-based violence or abuse: the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428.
For gambling-related harm: the National Responsible Gambling Programme on 0800 006 008.
For workplace-related support: your organisation's EAP, such as Cleared Mind, which is confidential and usually free to employees.
Share this list with family members or housemates, so everyone in your household knows who to call.
Take a photo of the list or keep it in your phone's notes app so it is accessible even without data or airtime.
Remember that most of these services also offer guidance on further referrals, so you do not need to know the "perfect" number to call first.

When to reach out for help

Use the crisis lines immediately for any situation involving danger to life or safety. Use the mental health and EAP lines for ongoing support with stress, low mood, anxiety, relationship difficulties or general coping.

Getting help in South Africa

Cleared Mind's EAP counsellors are available for employees seeking confidential support. For everything else, keep this list close: SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline 0800 567 567 (SMS 31393), SADAG Mental Health Line 011 234 4837, SAPS 10111, ambulance 10177, GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428, and the National Responsible Gambling Programme 0800 006 008.