24 January 2025
“I can’t focus and I can’t sleep from the worry.”
“Everything is exhausting. It’s hard to shower and eat.”
“I’m feeling so down all the time... I’m scared what I might do.”
“My parents divorced and it’s changed my life, and not for the better.”
These are just some of the things young people have told us about why they’ve contacted Kids Helpline.
Every day, there are young people turning to Kids Helpline for support. They can chat to Kids Helpline about anything at all – from the big, serious things to the smaller, less complicated issues.
And it’s not just during the day. 70% of young people who reach out to Kids Helpline do so outside of normal working hours!
Without Kids Helpline being a 24/7 service, it’s tough to imagine how young people might cope with these overwhelming moments.
Making sure no child slips through the cracks
While young people can talk to Kids Helpline counsellors about anything, the main reasons include emotional wellbeing, mental health concerns, suicide-related concerns, and family relationship issues.
"It feels like I have been waiting my whole life for Kids Helpline”
For 13-year-old Emma*, she always felt so alone, with her house never feeling like a home.
“Kids Helpline counsellors helped me to understand that what someone did to you has absolutely nothing to do with you and was never your fault. Someone’s inability to love you doesn’t make you unlovable," says Emma.
“I was not in a good place literally when my counsellor gave me the resources to survive. Honestly, I was terrified asking for help.
“Kids Helpline supported and helped me, teaching me that I can love myself. I am more confident but I’m still not better. I still have waves but I’m not drowning anymore.”
With 1 in 4 contacts involving mental health concerns and 1 in 6 involving suicide-related concerns, Kids Helpline is a crucial safety net for young people across Australia.
11-year-old Hayley* was struggling with anxiety, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. Then she found Kids Helpline.
“Talking to Kids Helpline felt comfortable because I could get things off my chest that I usually wouldn’t tell anyone – it helps that you can be anonymous," says Hayley.
“After talking to Kids Helpline, I noticed slight changes in myself. Instead of panicking or thinking dark thoughts when I was triggered or uncomfortable, I took deep breaths and closed my eyes to calm down.
“I still struggle, but each conversation with Kids Helpline makes me feel so much better. And that’s why they’re my first choice when I need to talk to someone.”
While young people can pick up a phone and call Kids Helpline, we know that not everyone has access to a phone – or wants to call. For young people who prefer messaging, webchat is available. Just like phone counselling, webchat is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
*Name and image changed for privacy
Your tickets help us be there for young people
Whether it’s 1am or 1pm, young people across Australia know that when there’s nowhere else to turn, Kids Helpline will be there.
Buying tickets in our Prize Home Draws means kids like Emma and Hayley have someone to talk to when the world feels most challenging. That they’ll have qualified counsellors there to answer their call, ready to offer understanding, compassion, and guidance. Thank you – we couldn’t do what we do without you!
