The government has launched a national mental health support hotline to provide round-the-clock assi

To better support citizens in addressing mental health concerns, the Ministry of Health, together with the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), has launched a new 24/7 national mental health helpline — 1771 — to assist the public in coping with psychological issues and, when necessary, guide them to appropriate support services.

Members of the public in need can call the hotline at 1771 or send a WhatsApp message to 6669-1771.

Mr. Lim Zi Xiang, a counselor with the National Mental Health Helpline 1771, said: “I will listen to their concerns, and if needed, I will provide them with the information they require.”

The National Mental Health Helpline 1771 is operated by around 30 full-time counselors and professionals, with plans to expand staffing based on demand. By the end of this year, a volunteer training pilot program will also be introduced to equip community volunteers with skills in psychological first aid and crisis management.

Dr. See Qing Soon, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at the Institute of Mental Health and Project Director of the National Mental Health Helpline 1771, said: “If someone expresses suicidal thoughts, we will stay on the line, try our best to calm them down, and contact our partner agencies — including Samaritans of Singapore and the Institute of Mental Health. If necessary, we can transfer the caller directly to them for follow-up.”

The Ministry of Health stated that the new service will help people access timely and appropriate support, preventing issues from worsening and reducing reliance on emergency and inpatient services.

Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health, Dr. Lam Pin Min, said: “At different stages of life, everyone experiences various forms of mental stress. This service aims to let people know that no matter what difficulties they face, as long as they send a signal, a message, or make a call, they can easily seek valuable information and assistance.”

The Institute of Mental Health will discontinue its existing mental health hotline (6389 2222), which has been in operation since 2007.

To ensure a smooth transition until the end of September, calls made to the old number will receive a recorded reminder and will be automatically redirected to the new helpline.