Youthline Wellington Background

Youthline was established in 1971 by Dr Felix Donnelly who was previously involved with Lifeline in Auckland. The idea for Youthline grew out of the Lifeline concept and service. Lifeline had been established a year earlier in Auckland. While Lifeline was doing well, it was noted that the service was not being used by young people. The Youthline concept was to provide counselling by youth for youth. This remains one of its great strengths today.

Youthline Wellington offers a free, confidential telephone counselling and information service to people in the greater Wellington area. Callers outside the Wellington area can also call free by using the national GlaxoSmithKline sponsored toll-free number 0800 376 633. Youthline is a charitable trust and relies solely on the funding it receives from community grants.

Youthline believes firmly in the worth and dignity of every individual, and respects the rights and capacity of each person to make their own decisions. Youthline is not about giving advice and telling people what to do. We aim to help callers reach their own decisions by talking things over.

Although we aim specifically to assist young people, Youthline’s service is used by people of all ages. Youthline receives over one hundred calls a week and 2,000 texts a month, dealing with all sorts of topics; family, relationships, self-harm, suicide, sex, sexuality, bullying, grief, mental health, abuse, loneliness, alcohol, drugs, friends, school and general chats.

Youthline Wellington operates within a national framework with centres around the country coordinated by Youthline National, which is based in Auckland. National also run a triage service.