A national helpline for the prevention of suicide and self-injurious behavior will be set up

A law has been published creating a 24-hour free national helpline for the prevention of suicide and self-injurious behavior, which will be coordinated and staffed by mental health professionals. Law no. 17/2024 was published in the Diário da República on February 5.

According to the law, the helpline must work in conjunction with the Psychological Counseling Service of the SNS 24 telephone line and serve the whole country. 

The helpline must provide advice via voice and other communication platforms, including messaging, and work with Portuguese sign language interpreters and translators of foreign languages that are spoken in Portugal.

The government must regulate the national line within 60 days.

Source: SNS portal