Govt launches toll-free helpline for youth counselling services

The Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Ministry has launched a toll-free helpline for youth counselling services.

The hotline – 1456 - was launched on Wednesday.

The ministry states that young people can call the helpline to access counselling, mental health support, wellbeing guidance and other services based on their individual needs.

Through 1456, youth can access:

• Individual and family counselling
• Mental health support and guidance
• Psychological First Aid (PFA)
• Health screening
• Life skills and mental health awareness sessions
• Other psychological and wellbeing support

The helpline is open 08:00 am to 02:00 pm from Sunday-Thursday, but will be closed on public holidays.

The launch of a dedicated helpline for young people follows the launch of a 24/7 national mental health helpline – 1677 – back in 2024.

A survey shows one in five Maldivians suffer from mental health issues, while one in 20 engage in self-harm or have suicidal thoughts.