Helplines in France
If someone's life is at risk, call 15 for the SAMU or 112. If you are having thoughts of suicide, or you are worried about someone, the national 3114 line is free and answered 24 hours a day by trained professionals. If you can't speak or hear, you can reach emergency services by text on 114.
Most French helplines work only in French, but there is one English-language option. SOS Help (01 46 21 46 46) is an emotional support line answered by trained volunteers, daily from 15:00 to 23:00, Paris time. Calls are anonymous and confidential and cost the standard rate. Outside those hours, SOS Amitié (09 72 39 40 50) listens at any time in French, by phone and chat.
If you are a woman experiencing violence, call 3919, Violences Femmes Info. It is free, open day and night, and does not appear on your phone bill. Shelter addresses are kept confidential, so the line is the safe way in and can direct you to a place. France Victimes on 116 006 supports anyone affected by crime, including violence at home. For children in danger, call 119 at any hour. Young people aged 12 to 25 can contact Fil Santé Jeunes on 0800 235 236, daily from 09:00 to 23:00. There are also lines for people facing LGBTphobia, for eating disorders, and for alcohol or drug use.
Dial French numbers as shown. From a foreign mobile, 01 46 21 46 46 can also be reached as +33 1 46 21 46 46. 112 works on any phone in the EU. Each number was checked at its official source, with the date shown.
Emotional support
SOS Help
01 46 21 46 46 (+33 1 46 21 46 46 from abroad)
English-language emotional support line in France, answered by trained volunteers; calls are anonymous and confidential.
- Hours: Daily 15:00-23:00 (Paris time)
- Languages: English
- English available
- Cost: standard rate
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
SOS Amitié
Volunteer listening service by phone, chat and messaging for anyone in distress; avoid surcharged numbers starting 081, 082 or 089.
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Suicide prevention
Domestic violence
LGBTQ+
SOS homophobie
Anonymous listening line for people facing LGBTphobia, with a chat on Tuesday and Thursday 20:00-22:00 and Sunday 18:00-20:00.
- Hours: Mon-Thu 18:00-22:00, Fri 18:00-20:00, Sat 14:00-16:00, Sun 18:00-20:00 (except public holidays)
- Languages: French
- Cost: standard rate
- Chat
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Young people
Fil Santé Jeunes
Anonymous, free service for 12 to 25-year-olds on health, relationships and wellbeing.
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Children
Alcohol and drugs
Drogues Info Service
National information and support line on drugs and drug use, by phone and chat.
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Alcool Info Service
Anonymous national information and support line on alcohol, by phone and chat.
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Eating disorders
Anorexie Boulimie Info Écoute
Eating disorder advice line of the FFAB, staffed by psychologists, doctors and specialist associations; calls cost 0.06 euros per minute plus a local call.
- Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 16:00-18:00 (except public holidays)
- Languages: French
- Cost: unknown
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Questions about getting help in France
What is the emergency number in France?
In France, call 15, 17 and 18 in an emergency. If someone's life is at risk, don't wait: call straight away. Emergency calls are free.
Is there a free mental health helpline in France?
Yes. 3114 Numéro national de prévention du suicide (3114), SOS Help (01 46 21 46 46) and SOS Amitié (09 72 39 40 50). Details, opening hours and the official source for each number are listed on this page.
Can I get help in English in France?
Yes. These services say they offer English: SOS Help (01 46 21 46 46).
Where can women experiencing violence get help in France?
Contact Violences Femmes Info (3919) and France Victimes (116 006). Shelter addresses are kept confidential for safety, so the helpline is the way in. In immediate danger, call 15.
Is there a helpline for children and young people in France?
Yes. Allô 119 Enfance en danger (119) and Fil Santé Jeunes (0800 235 236).
Numbers are checked against each service's own website on the date shown. Services change, so if a number doesn't work please tell me: hello@michellefernando.com.