LifeLine Western Cape

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LifeLine Western Cape holds a unique place in South African history: it was the very first LifeLine centre established in Africa, opened in Cape Town on 5 November 1968 by Reverend Peter Storey, after he returned from establishing the Sydney centre. When its phone rang for the first time at 5pm in a small Church Square office, a movement was born that now spans 8 of South Africa's 9 provinces. Over 55 years later, LifeLine Western Cape remains a vital, active service — and one of only two Cape Town-based entries in the LifeLine network.

Their counselling line (021 461 1111) is open every single day of the year — 365 days — from 10am to 10pm, staffed by carefully selected and rigorously trained lay counsellors who give their time as a service to the community. Their Khayelitsha line (064 841 6948) extends their reach directly into township communities.

What They Offer Survivors

Free Telephone Counselling — 021 461 1111 (Daily, 10am–10pm) LifeLine WC's telephone counselling line is open 365 days a year, from 10am to 10pm. Calls are confidential and anonymous — you do not have to give your name. The only cost is the call itself. Counsellors are trained to listen without judgement and support you through any emotional crisis — including GBV, abuse, trauma, relationship difficulties, depression, grief, loneliness, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

WhatsApp Counselling — 063 709 2620 For those who cannot or do not want to call, WhatsApp counselling is available — a discreet, text-based way to reach a trained counsellor when speaking out loud is not possible or safe.

Khayelitsha Counselling Line — 064 841 6948 A dedicated line for the Khayelitsha community ensures that township residents have a direct, accessible contact point. LifeLine WC is committed to making emotional wellness services accessible to those who need them most.

Face-to-Face Counselling (Up to 4 Sessions) In addition to telephone support, LifeLine WC offers up to four one-hour face-to-face counselling sessions with a trained counsellor at their Mowbray offices — available by appointment. Call 021 461 1113 to book.

Personal Growth Course LifeLine WC's Personal Growth Course is a transformative programme open to the public — building self-awareness, communication skills, and understanding of oneself and others. Completing this course is also the entry point for those who wish to train as LifeLine counsellors. Courses run throughout the year with both morning and evening options.

Counselling Skills Course For those who wish to develop their helping skills further, a Counselling Skills course follows the Personal Growth Course and builds more advanced listening, empathy, and support skills.

Emotional Paramedics Workshop A workshop for professionals and individuals wanting practical skills to support people in emotional crisis — relevant for managers, teachers, healthcare workers, social workers, and anyone who regularly encounters people under pressure.

LifeLine Western Cape counselling line: 021 461 1111 — open 10am to 10pm, every day of the year. WhatsApp: 063 709 2620. Khayelitsha: 064 841 6948. All calls are free of judgement, confidential, and anonymous.