helplines: global directory

(unless stated otherwise, these are 24-hour toll-free helplines — available at no cost. last updated: October 11, 2025)

This living (expect updates) directory connects Africans, both on the continent and in the diaspora, to accessible mental health, epilepsy and crisis care.

It builds on the foundation of Kenya’s first mental health support line, which I established and ran, supporting over 11,000 people in Kenya in its first year.

Helplines are grouped into six core categories:

• Child – Abuse, neglect, and youth-focused services

• GBV – Gender-based violence, domestic and intimate partner abuse

• Substance – Drug, alcohol, and addiction support

• Suicide – Crisis help for suicidal thoughts or behavior

• Support – General emotional, psychological, or wellness help

• Epilepsy – Support groups and seizure-related care

Use the search bar to filter by topic (e.g. GBV, child, suicide, epilespy) or country (click to expand).

If you’ve used a resource that could help others, please share it here to keep the directory up to date.

– Sitawa