Those who are in need of emotional support, are feeling lonely or find themselves in a state of psychological crisis can call an EU-wide Emotional Support Helpline on 116 123.
The helpline was inaugurated in Malta on Tuesday after the European Commission said all member states should reserve the numbers beginning with 116 for services of social value.
The Maltese helpline will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week all year round. Fixed line calls will be free.
Calls received on the new number will be rerouted to the already-existing 179 helpline service, offered by Aġenzija Appoġġ, which has been operating with a team of professionally-trained volunteers for the past 14 years.