Single phone number to access support services
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says from today a new free 24/7 four digit phone and text number will make it easier
for people to connect with mental health and addictions professionals.
“It’s important that we talk about our mental health and wellbeing with our friends and family, but it’s equally as
important that there is professional support available when we need it,” says Dr Coleman.
“Need to talk? 1737 is free to call or text from any landline or mobile phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“It’s a new and easy way to access the existing National Telehealth Services provided through the Alcohol and Drug,
Depression, and Gambling Helplines. These helplines will still be accessible through the same phone numbers, but 1737
creates a new front door.
“Research shows that four digit numbers are easier to remember, and that they can attract a wider range of people who
may feel other specific lines are not suited to their needs.
“The same trained mental health professionals who currently respond to calls, texts, webchat and emails across the
existing National Telehealth Service mental health and addiction helplines will be on hand to support people who call or
text 1737.
“In line with international trends, here in New Zealand we’ve also seen an increase in demand for mental health and
addiction services in recent years.
“We know that around 47 per cent of New Zealanders will experience a mental health issue during their lifetime – and one
in five will meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis in any given year.
“To help address this, the phased implementation of the Early Mental Health Response service continues.
“Once it is fully implemented across the country the Early Mental Health Response service will give NZ Police and
Ambulance staff the option to transfer 111 callers who need non-urgent social or psychological support to a 24/7 mental
health nursing team for assistance.
“Budget 2016 invested $12 million over four years into the initiative which is currently operating with Police north of
Waikato and will be fully implemented by the end of 2017.”
The new 1737 number and the Early Mental Health Response service are part of a much larger work programme focused on
modernising our mental health and addiction services.
Budget 2017 committed an extra $224 million over four years into this area, including $124 million in new innovative
approaches.
Cabinet will soon consider a new mental health strategy, which will further outline the Government’s new approach.
Notes for Editors
When listing helplines you’re encouraged to use either of the below taglines:
• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time
• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
In the six months from 1 October 2016 to 31 March 2017 there have been over 286,117 contacts to the National Telehealth
Service. This equates to 217,901 people accessing one or more of the helplines.
The numbers of people getting assistance in the six months from 1 October 2016 to 31 March 2017 were:
• Healthline: 149,612
• Depression Helpline: 15,209
• Alcohol Drug Helpline: 6,658
• Gambling Helpline: 2,419
The National Telehealth Service launched on 1 November 2015 and consolidates a range of health-funded helplines on one
technology and clinically-supported platform including: Healthline, Quitline, immunisation and poisons advice to the
public, the Depression helpline and other mental health and addiction lines.
A professional workforce of over 220 frontline staff provides phone and online advice, support, assessment of symptoms,
triage and referral advice across a range of health domains.