Summary:
Young people in Singapore face significant pressures from academics, family expectations, and social media, often feeling overwhelmed and unable to confide in friends or family. Free and confidential helplines offer a safe space to express these feelings without judgment. These services, staffed by trained professionals, provide support and guidance, emphasizing that seeking help is a strength.
Feeling overwhelmed by school, friends, or just… life? You’re not alone.
Whether it’s late at night when your thoughts won’t stop racing, or a quiet moment where the weight of everything hits you — reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
In Singapore, young people face intense academic pressures, family expectations, social media comparisons, and uncertainty about the future. Sometimes, it’s hard to talk to friends or family about how you really feel. That’s where free and confidential youth helplines come in — safe spaces where you can share what’s on your mind without judgment.
This guide lists trusted, free, and private helplines available in Singapore right now. You can call, text, or chat with trained professionals or volunteers who will listen, understand, and help you through difficult moments.
Your Go-To List of Free Youth Helplines in Singapore
Below are some of the most reliable options. Each one is free, confidential, and here to support you — whether you’re in a crisis, feeling low, or just need someone to talk to.
1. Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
Best for: 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention in Singapore.
📞 Hotline: 1767 (local call)
💬 Text/Chat: SOS Care Text via WhatsApp
⏰ Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Why call/chat: SOS is Singapore’s main suicide prevention service. Whether you’re feeling hopeless, struggling with suicidal thoughts, or going through intense emotional pain, their trained volunteers are here to listen without judgment. You don’t need to be in an immediate crisis — you can reach out for support anytime.
2. IMH Mental Health Helpline
Best for: Immediate professional advice on mental health concerns.
📞 Hotline: 6389 2222
⏰ Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Why call: Operated by the Institute of Mental Health, this helpline connects you with trained mental health professionals. They can guide you through urgent emotional distress, provide advice for coping strategies, and recommend next steps if needed.
3. CHAT (Community Health Assessment Team)
Best for: Youth (16–30) who want to check in on their mental health.
📞 Hotline: 6493 6500 / 6501
💬 Webchat: CHAT Hub
⏰ Hours: Mon–Fri, 12pm – 9pm (except public holidays)
Why call/chat: CHAT offers free mental health assessments for youth and links you to other resources if you need them. If you’re unsure about what you’re feeling, or whether you need professional help, CHAT is a safe first step. They also have a webchat service for those who prefer typing over talking.
4. TOUCHline (TOUCH Youth Intervention)
Best for: Youth (12–25) facing stress, cyberbullying, or personal struggles.
📞 Hotline: 1800 377 2252
⏰ Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am – 6pm (except public holidays)
Why call: The trained staff at TOUCHline work closely with young people facing academic stress, relationship issues, cyber-wellness challenges, or family conflicts. They’re especially experienced in helping teens and young adults navigate the unique pressures of growing up in Singapore.
5. Tinkle Friend (Singapore Children’s Society)
Best for: Primary school and lower secondary students who need someone to listen.
📞 Hotline: 1800 274 4788
💬 Chat: Tinkle Friend Online Chat
⏰ Hours: Mon–Fri, 2.30pm – 7pm (except public holidays)
Why call/chat: Tinkle Friend is a friendly and safe place for younger kids to share worries about friends, school, or family. The trained volunteers are patient listeners who can offer comfort and guidance in a way that’s easy to understand.
6. Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) Helpline
Best for: General emotional support and information on mental wellness services.
📞 Hotline: 1800 283 7019
⏰ Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am – 6pm (except public holidays)
Why call/chat: SAMH provides a listening ear for anyone feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. They can connect you to free or low-cost counselling, support groups, and other mental health programmes in Singapore.
What Happens When You Call a Helpline?
If you’ve never called a helpline before, it can feel intimidating — like you don’t know what to say or what will happen. Here’s what you can expect.
1. It’s 100% Confidential
Anything you share stays between you and the person you speak to. You don’t have to give your name, NRIC, or any personal details if you’re not comfortable.
2. They’re Trained to Listen, Not Judge
Helpline volunteers and staff are trained in active listening. They won’t tell you you’re being “too sensitive” or “overreacting.” Instead, they’ll try to understand your feelings and help you work through them.
3. You’re in Control of the Conversation
You can share as much or as little as you want. You can end the call whenever you feel ready. If you only want to talk about one specific thing, that’s okay.
4. It’s Not Just for Suicidal Thoughts
While suicide prevention is a big part of what some helplines do, you don’t have to be at rock bottom to call. You can reach out if you feel lonely, anxious, confused, stressed about exams, or if something just doesn’t feel right.
5. You Don’t Have to Prepare a Speech
It’s okay to start with, “I don’t really know how to say this…” The person on the other end will guide the conversation gently.
Not Ready to Interact With Someone Else? Chat with Ommu 💬
If the thought of interacting with someone else feels overwhelming — or you’d rather type than talk — Ommu is here for you.
Ommu is a free, youth-friendly mental health chatbot created for young people in Singapore. It’s a safe, private space where you can share your thoughts and feelings anytime, without pressure.
Why Ommu might be the right fit for you:
- Always On: Available 24/7, even in the middle of the night.
- Completely Private: No judgment, no labels — just you and your words.
- Super Easy: Works instantly on your phone or computer, only WhatsApp needed.
- Feels Human: Responds with warmth, understanding, and emotional awareness.
Whether you want to vent, sort through your thoughts, or explore where to get more help, Ommu is ready to listen — right now.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to feel like you’re alone in what you’re going through — but there are people and services ready to listen, no matter the time of day or night. Calling or texting a helpline doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re taking an important step toward taking care of your mental health.
If you remember nothing else, remember this: Your feelings matter. Your life matters. And you deserve to feel supported.
📌 Save this list in your phone, or share it with friends. You never know who might need it.
Quick Reference: Youth Helplines Singapore (2025)
Organisation | Hotline | Chat/Text | Hours |
---|---|---|---|
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) | 1767 | WhatsApp 9151 1767 | 24/7 |
IMH Mental Health Helpline | 6389 2222 | – | 24/7 |
CHAT | 6493 6500 / 6501 | Webchat via CHAT Hub | Mon–Fri, 12pm–9pm |
TOUCHline | 1800 377 2252 | – | Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm |
Tinkle Friend | 1800 274 4788 | Online Chat | Mon–Fri, 2.30pm–7pm |
SAMH Helpline | 1800 283 7019 | – | Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm |