Helping Dost provides information about counselling and ways to explore professional support. This website, its contact channels and Ask Yaru are not emergency response services.
When help cannot wait
If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a website message, an assistant reply or a counselling appointment. The Resources page lists independent support contacts and official service links.
What the website can and cannot do
You can learn about areas of support, read articles, download self-care kits and contact the team. The website does not assess symptoms, provide medical diagnosis, prescribe medicines or monitor a person’s safety. A resource or chat reply is not a substitute for individual professional care.
Choosing professional support
Before booking, ask about the professional’s qualifications, areas of work, session format and whether the service fits your needs. Discuss confidentiality, its limits and any age-specific arrangements. If a different level of care is needed, speak to an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Using Ask Yaru safely
Ask Yaru is an information assistant, not a counsellor. Guided answers explain the platform; optional AI replies may be mistaken. Do not enter medical records, identity documents or private session details. The assistant cannot contact emergency services or guarantee that a person will read your message.
Using articles and self-care kits
Choose activities that feel manageable and stop if they make you uncomfortable. You do not need to complete every prompt or share what you write. Ask a qualified professional if you are unsure about an exercise or need individual guidance.
Supporting a child or adolescent
A parent or lawful guardian should contact the team about suitability and consent before arranging support for a child. Do not use a public website chat to share the child’s private history or seek an urgent assessment.
Independent support contacts
Helplines and directories listed under Resources are operated by independent organisations. Check their official websites for current coverage, availability and service limits. Helping Dost does not operate those lines or control their response times.