Helplines that act as lifelines!

A helpline can do what a caped crusader can’t. NGOs are now making their services available on phones and online as well. Thanks to technology, you can now get vital psychological support and counselling on the phone and via email. These organisations run reputed helplines and will attend to any queries in their areas of expertise. Do spread the word to as many people as you can. Access to helplines like these can save lives!

• 1098: 1098 is arguably India’s most famous helpline. Childline India Foundation (CHILDLINE) runs this helpline that helps children in distress. You can call the toll-free CHILDLINE number to report news of a child being harassed or in trouble, or share the number with children or adolescents with access to phones. CHILDLINE has reunited runaway children with their parents, rescued child labourers, prevented child marriage and provided a sympathetic ear to children’s problems. With more than 4 million calls fielded a year, the organisation has provided a valuable service for children in need.

Helpline No: 1098 | Timings: 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week

• Arpan: Arpan aims to see a world without child sexual abuse. They work to increase awareness, prevent incidences and help children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. During the pandemic, they are offering chat and phone based counselling support to those who may need it.

Helpline No: 98190 86444 | Timings: 9 am – 5 pm from Monday to Friday, 9 am – 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays

• iCall Counselling*: A policeman who turned his gun on his peers, and then himself. Three athletes in Kerala who took their own lives citing pressure from their seniors. The papers are full of news about people who succumb to the stress and pressures of their lives. Sadly, many of these situations can be changed with a little intervention. The iCall Counselling helpline has been set up to provide relief to those undergoing mental stress or depression and feeling a sense of hopelessness in their lives. The helpline is an initiative by the Mariwala Foundation in association with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

Helpline: 022 – 25521111 | Timings: 8 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday

Email ID: icall@tiss.edu

• Helplines for Senior Citizens: Life as an elderly person is not always a time spent sitting back and reflecting on the years gone by. Many old people in India face neglect, harassment or abuse at the hands of their own children or relatives. Loneliness and helplessness too are a part of their lives. Unable to provide for themselves, they struggle to find resources to survive on. NGOs like HelpAge India, Dignity Foundation and Agewell Foundation run helplines that the aged can call to request access to ration cards, food supplies, medical attention or just someone to talk to.

HelpAge India: 1800-180-1253 | 23 toll-free helplines across India; click here to view the state-wise number

Timings: 9:15 am – 5:15 pm on Mon-Fri | 10 am – 2 pm on Saturdays

Dignity Foundation: 5 helplines across India; click here to view the state-wise number

Agewell Foundation: 011 – 129836486, 011 29840484

Post updated in June 2020

*09.06.2015: iCall Counselling had erroneously been mentioned as iCareCounselling. The error has been rectified.