Helplines in Botswana

BOFWA's 24/7 toll-free helpline providing crisis intervention, counseling, and referrals for young people and vulnerable individuals. Offers support for sexual and reproductive health (SRHR), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), mental health, and emotional distress.

Non-profit organization responding to gender-based violence in Botswana. Provides free tele-counselling, clinical services, temporary and emergency shelter for women and their children, and community outreach. AME App allows anonymous WhatsApp reporting available 24/7.

Free counselling and rehabilitation services for problem gamblers and their families. Costs borne by the Authority. Offers digital self-help portal with self-exclusion, counselling, and third-party exclusion options. Services are empathetic, confidential, address triggers, and provide healing.

Free, anonymous and confidential counselling service. National suicide prevention helpline offering crisis counseling for mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and hopelessness. Part of LifeLine SADC regional network.

Free, confidential support for survivors of gender-based violence since 1995. Provides psychosocial counseling, safe house/shelter, public education, advocacy, and skills empowerment. Based in Maun, supports abused women, children, and men.

Childline Botswana's mission is to help abused children and address child welfare issues through education, counselling, casework, and alternative care programs. Provides emergency services for children in need and helps parents/caregivers experiencing difficulties. Operates until 11pm daily with plans to expand to 24/7.

Botswana's main LGBTQ+ organization since late 1990s. Officially registered in 2016. Provides free psychosocial counselling, legal support/advice through consultations with human rights lawyers and paralegals. Drop-in centres in Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane, Selebi Phikwe, and Letlhakane.

First and only organization in Botswana focused on transgender and intersex communities. Formed 2008, officially registered 2010. Provides free mental health specialists/counsellors for psychosocial support, legal referral assistance, HIV barrier products for trans/intersex bodies, advocacy workshops, and human rights information sessions.

Largest VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing) provider in Botswana. Provides free, anonymous, same-day HIV tests with 18 centers serving ~100,000 clients annually. Offers facility-based, mobile, and outreach services. Integrated services include STI screening/treatment, ART, viral load monitoring, family planning, and cervical cancer screening.

Free peer support fellowship for people recovering from drug addiction. NA meetings provide mutual support in a non-judgmental environment. Part of NA Africa network.