There’s no one global hotline for family care workers. There are several help lines for caregivers in different regions around the world.
UK
Carers UK offers support on their help line at 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm. You can also email them at advice@carersuk.org.
If you need support as you provide care to a child with disabilities, reach out to Contact at 0808 808 3555 or email helpline@contact.org.uk.
Samaritans are available anytime at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org.
USA
AARP offers caregiving advice Monday to Friday, 7am to 11pm est at 1-877-333-5885. The support line is also available in Spanish, at 1-888-971-2013.
The Caregiver Action Network has a helpline at 1-855-227-3640. You can also contact them through the chat function on their website or through a help request.
You can also call 211.
Canada
The Ontario Caregiver Organization can connect you with a resource specialist if you call 1-833-416-2273 or use the chat tool on their website.
Ireland
Get support from Family Carers Ireland on the National Freephone Careline at 1800 24 007 24 or submit a help request.
Australia
Carers Australia operates the Carers Gateway at 1800 422 737.
Carer Support Australia can be reached at 8433 9555 or supportadmin@carersupport.org.au.
If you’re caring for someone with mental illness, call the Mind Carer Helpline on 1300 554 660.
New Zealand
The Carers NZ Helpline can be reached by calling 0800 777 797 or centre@carers.net.nz.
India
Reach the Caregiver Saathi Helpline at 91-932-6161-735 or through their online chat.
Other support lines
Depending on your specific membership, employment, and residency, there may be other helplines and support services you have access to. Disease specific organizations also offer helplines that can provide resources and information relevant to a diagnosis.
Just need to talk?
There are hotlines available if you just need to talk. While they aren’t specific to care work, their training typically covers relevant topics. If you’re looking for someone to talk to, there are peer listeners available.
If you’re in a crisis
- In Canada: call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 for Crisis Services Canada.
- In the US: call 1-800-273-8255 for the US Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line.
- In Australia: Lifeline offers crisis support at 13 11 14.
- Outside of the US and Canada: please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention to find resources in your area.
This was super helpful and timely, as I am trying to figure out options for respite, if any.