24 hour telephone crisis support
If you or someone you know needs emotional support, call 13 11 14. Contact police or ambulance on 000 if life is in immediate danger.
Lifeline’s 24 hour telephone crisis support service is available to anyone needing emotional support on one national number – 13 11 14.
About our 13 11 14 service
Anyone can call Lifeline. Somewhere in Australia there is a new call to Lifeline every minute. People call Lifeline’s 24 hour crisis support service 13 11 14 about many things including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Abuse and trauma
- Physical or mental wellbeing
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Stresses from work, family or society
- Information for friends and family
This service is staffed by dedicated volunteers, who have undergone training to ensure they are capable of handling all sorts of calls. They are ready to listen and provide emotional and crisis support.
"I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to your service and to the wonderful, wise, kind and understanding person I spoke to last week when feeling extremely distressed and anxious. I was able to talk about some worrying thoughts that had been tormenting me and the Lifeline volunteer gave me the perspective, reassurance and relief I so badly needed. I can't express how much this helped me (and by extension my family) at a very difficult time in my life. Thank you so much for the excellent work you do - I am so very grateful."
- Caller to Lifeline's 13 11 14 crisis support service.
What to expect when you call 13 11 14
Lifeline provides a confidential service that you can access from your home, a payphone or mobile. Trained volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporters will be on duty to answer your call, listen to your situation and concerns, and provide support and assistance to clarify options and choices available to you. These volunteers are also able to provide you with referral information for other services in your local area.
Your call will be answered by the next available volunteer anywhere in Australia. If your call cannot be answered straight away, it means that our volunteers are busy providing care and support to other Australians in need. Be patient as your call will be answered, or call back if you feel you’d rather try again later.
If your life or the life of someone you know is in immediate danger call the police or ambulance on 000.
Call costs
Calls to Lifeline 13 11 14 from a landline are typically the cost of a local call, however additional charges may apply for calls from some home phone plans.
Calls to Lifeline 13 11 14 from mobile phones are free. This includes Pre-Paid and Post-Paid customers. Pre-paid customers who are out-of-credit will be connected to 13 11 14 until the prepaid service is suspended. The out-of-credit period varies depending on supplier but is typically between 30 days and 6 months.
Privacy
The privacy of our callers is important. Lifeline’s policy is to preserve life wherever possible. If your life or safety, or that of someone else is at imminent risk it is possible that your rights to confidentiality may not be upheld. An ambulance or the police may be involved if there is real concern that you are unable to contact these agencies yourself. For more details read our Privacy Statement.
13 11 14 Code of Conduct
In the delivery of 13 11 14 services, Lifeline staff and volunteers follow the 13 11 14 Code of Conduct.
Testimonials
I just would like to express my gratitude for lifeline carers. The people I spoke to were understanding and really helped my situation. It was really good to know that I could express my true feelings and emotions at that particular time period.
- Caller to Lifeline's 13 11 14 crisis support service.
Hello, I have called the Lifeline number many times. I have a depressive illness and sometimes it gets out of control. Recently I called and talked to a volunteer about my depression, its causes and effects. I don’t know who she was but she had my number down. She had a deep compassion and understanding. My problems are not easily solved and no one at Lifeline has ever tried to fob me off with easy answers. She gave me the truth. She urged me to try and accept my situation for what it was and try what I could do to change it. The alternatives she suggested were not easy and I’m still working on some of her ideas. She changed my mood and I believe saved my life. Thank you.
- Caller to Lifeline's 13 11 14 crisis support service.
I just wanted to thank the lovely man who took time to speak to me tonight about my financial problems. I was in a high state of distress when I called, and he was able to help me see that I can resolve this issue quite easily. It's a very hard time for me at the moment, and everything just seems to be very overwhelming. This person took the time to listen to me in a caring way which is just what I needed. Thank You.
- Caller to Lifeline's 13 11 14 crisis support service.
Compliments, feedback and complaints
If you wish to provide feedback, a compliment or complaint about a Lifeline service, please Contact us.
Side Panel
Lifeline’s 24 hour crisis support service connects Australians with trained volunteers who can provide emotional support to anyone, anywhere, anytime.