Need mental health help? Just call or text new 24/7 service

National mindline 1771 is manned by trained counsellors, serves as first-stop touch point

- Lee Li Ying

Round-the-clock help for mental health is now just a call or text away with the launch of Singapore's first helpline and textline service on June 18.

The 24/7 dedicated service, called national mindline 1771, is part of the nation's efforts to make mental health a key priority and was one of the key proposals mooted under the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy.

Individuals who need support can either dial 1771 to speak with a trained counsellor, or do so via chat on WhatsApp [phone]) or an online chat widget at https://mindline.sg/fsmh

All conversations will be kept confidential and help-seekers can also choose to remain anonymous, making it easier for individuals to take the first step to get help early.

This new service is operated by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

The service, which will be manned by 30 full-time counsellors who have a background in psychology or other allied health training, will be offered in the four official languages.

It was launched by Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon at the national mindline 1771 office in Tampines on June 18.

Speaking to the media, Dr Koh pointed out that one of the key lessons learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic was that there was a need for a national-level hotline to support Singaporeans in times of stress.