Help and resources

Help outside the U.S.

Free helplines and loneliness support in Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India and the rest of the world, plus how to find more.

Do this first

If you are in danger, call your local emergency number now. If you need to talk, go to findahelpline.com (opens in a new tab): it shows free, verified lines for your country by phone, text or chat.

Loneliness is not just an American problem. The World Health Organization estimates that people worldwide are affected by it. Most countries have free lines and local groups that can help. Below are some of the main ones, checked in October 2026. Numbers and hours change, so check the organization's own website if you can.

Anywhere in the world

Canada

  • 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988, 24 hours a day, every day. You don't have to be suicidal to reach out. See 988.ca (opens in a new tab).
  • Kids Help Phone (children, teens and young adults): call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868, 24/7, in many languages.
  • Trans Lifeline (peer support for trans people): (877) 330-6366, weekday afternoons and evenings. Check translifeline.org (opens in a new tab) for hours.
  • In an emergency, call 911.

United Kingdom

Ireland

  • Samaritans: call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day.
  • Text support: text 50808 (Crisis Text Line's Irish service), any time.
  • ALONE (opens in a new tab) (older people): the National Support and Referral Line, 0818 222 024, is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
  • In an emergency, call 112 or 999.

Australia

New Zealand

  • 1737, Need to talk?: call or text 1737, free, 24 hours a day. You'll reach a trained counsellor or peer support worker. See 1737.org.nz (opens in a new tab).
  • In an emergency, call 111.

India

  • Tele-MANAS: the national government mental health helpline. Call 14416 or 1-800-891-4416, toll-free, 24 hours a day.
  • In an emergency, call your local emergency number.

Everywhere else

Start with Find A Helpline (opens in a new tab). If you'd rather find people near you:

  • Ask your doctor or local health clinic what support exists. Many countries now have programs for loneliness.
  • Try your local library, a community or cultural center, a place of worship, or a club for something you enjoy. See Groups, hobbies, classes and clubs.
  • If you've moved to a new country, see Immigrants, refugees and expats.

Social prescribing

In some countries, your doctor can "prescribe" a social activity. This is called social prescribing.

In England, the NHS has social prescribing link workers, usually based in or near GP practices. A link worker gives you time to talk about what matters to you, then helps you find local groups, classes, volunteering or advice. Healthwatch England says GP visits are for non-medical problems like loneliness, money or housing. You can ask your GP practice about it. Pharmacies, councils and other local services can refer you too, and self-referral is encouraged.

Similar programs exist in other countries, sometimes under other names, like "community connector" or "health navigator". It's worth asking your doctor: "Is there anyone here who can help me find local groups or activities?"

The World Health Organization

In 2023 the WHO set up a Commission on Social Connection (opens in a new tab). Its 2025 report, "From loneliness to social connection", links loneliness to deaths a year worldwide and sets out what countries, communities and people can do about it. You don't need to read it to get help, but it's a sign that loneliness is now taken seriously everywhere.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 9, 2026