Taking the first step to seek help is an incredibly empowering thing to do for yourself. Life always has its ups and downs and everyone experiences difficult times in their life. With a little help, hopefully, the times you do feel down are not so hard to handle. The good news is there is help. Here are some incredible organisations and government support services that can help you on your journey back to feeling more like you.
How can we help?
General Support
WEBSITES
Headspace
If things are getting too much, you have no one to talk to, and you need support, eHeadspace is an online counselling service made for people between 12-25 years old.
YouthInMind Australia
If you are struggling, but you are not sure exactly what the problem is, YouthInMind has a questionnaire that could help. The Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire helps identify a range of mental health related problems. It is easy to understand and can be completed by anyone between the ages of 11-17. After you have finished the questionnaire, the website gives you a report on your results. This report can be shown to a health professional if you decide to seek out further support. The report also provides useful links to books and websites that could help address your problem(s).
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
If you are looking for a resource with current and relevant information on mental health issues, then the NIMH website is it.
TELEPHONE AND ONLINE SUPPORT
Kids Help Line
1800 55 1800
This is a 24/7 counselling service for anyone up to the age of 25. You can contact them via phone, the web or email.
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)
(03) 9403 3300
VAHS offers counselling to Aboriginal adults and children living in Victoria. Their services are culturally aware and cover a wide range of issues. For more information visit their website or call them on the number provided above.
Help for Anxiety
Telephone and Online Support
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
This is a 24/7 counselling service for anyone up to the age of 25. You can contact them via phone, the web or email
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 Websites
Beyond Blue
beyondblue.org.au
The Beyond Blue website is a goldmine when it comes to depression and anxiety. The website has got questionnaires, useful information, resources and fact sheets. Plus, many of their resources come in multiple languages. And if that wasn’t enough, they have got a 24-hour helpline that can give you more information and refer you to services for anxiety and depression. There is even a directory of online mental services and therapies. And if you want to speak to someone, the site has a super handy list of doctors and practitioners who are keen to help with mental health and illness.
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National Institute of Mental Health
If you are looking for a resource with current and relevant information on anxiety, then the NIMH website is it.
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BRAVE
The BRAVE program is interactive, online and best of all, evidence based. The program uses cognitive behavioural therapy to help prevent anxiety in children and teens. But for those parents who want to get involved, fear not, there are complimentary programs for you too. There are fully self-guided programs for teens as well as parents. But don’t worry, if you feel out of your depth, there are programs with ‘online therapists’ who guide through your journey with a loving hand.Â
Help struggling with Cancer
Camp Quality
Camp Quality gives kids facing cancer the chance to be kids again.
Camp Quality’s services and programs are created specifically to support children aged up to 15 years, who are dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, or the diagnosis of someone they love, like a brother, sister, mum, dad or carer.
Canteen
These guys provide counselling, peer support, and an online platform for youth with cancer to connect. They also got a bunch of great books and resources that you can find on their website.
 Youth Cancer Services (YCS)
YCS is funded by Canteen and delivers treatment and support for people between the ages of 15 – 25. On their website you’ll find plenty of resources for both patients and health professionals including stuff on diagnosis, treatment and life after treatment
Redkite
Redkite offers emotional support, financial assistance and educational services to young people and their families who are through cancer.
Live Wire
This is a free online community where you can connect with other young people living with illness. They have moderated chats that go live every day from 12pm to 12am. If you are someone living with a disability or chronic illness, Live Wire is the perfect space for you to vent and share and connect.
The Bereavement Care Centre
The Bereavement Care Centre provides an all-inclusive counselling and support service for those recently bereaved, the terminally ill and their families.Â
WEBSITES
Headspace
If things are getting too much, you have no one to talk to, and you need support, eHeadspace is an online counselling service made for people between 12-25 years old.
YouthInMind Australia
If you are struggling, but you are not sure exactly what the problem is, YouthInMind has a questionnaire that could help. The Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire helps identify a range of mental health related problems. It is easy to understand and can be completed by anyone between the ages of 11-17. After you have finished the questionnaire, the website gives you a report on your results. This report can be shown to a health professional if you decide to seek out further support. The report also provides useful links to books and websites that could help address your problem(s).
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
If you are looking for a resource with current and relevant information on mental health issues, then the NIMH website is it.
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TELEPHONE AND ONLINE SUPPORT
Kids Help Line
1800 55 1800
This is a 24/7 counselling service for anyone up to the age of 25. You can contact them via phone, the web or email.
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)
(03) 9403 3300
VAHS offers counselling to Aboriginal adults and children living in Victoria. Their services are culturally aware and cover a wide range of issues. For more information visit their website or call them on the number provided above.Â
Help for Child Abuse
Telephone and Online Support
EmergencyÂ
Phone: 000
In the case of an emergency or life-threatening situation call the police:Â 000
 Interstate Emergency Contacts
ACT:Â 1300 556 729
NSW:Â 13 21 11
NT:Â 1800 700 250
QLD:Â (07) 3235 999
SA:Â 13 14 78
TAS:Â 1300 737 639
VIC:Â 13 12 78 (after hours)
WA:Â (08) 9325 1111
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
This is a 24/7 counselling service for anyone up to the age of 25. You can contact them via phone, the web or email
Websites
The Orange Door
orangedoor.vic.gov.au
The Orange Door helps women, children, and young people who are experiencing family violence to the services they need. Their website has resources and contact for people who are feeling unsafe but not experiencing immediate danger.
Help for Depression & Crisis Situations
Telephone and Online Support
Kids Help Line
1800 55 1800
This is a 24/7 counselling service for anyone up to the age of 25. You can contact them via phone, the web or email.
Lifeline
13 11 14
This is a 24/7 counselling service for anyone up to the age of 25. You can contact them via phone, the web or email.Â
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
If you are in a crisis, this is a counselling service you can call at any time, any day.
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Mental Health Crisis Numbers
ACT:Â Mental Health Triage Service, available 24/7, 1800 629 354 or 02 6205 1065
NSW:Â Call nearest hospital or the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511
QLD: MH CALL Triage Service, available 24/7, 1300 642 255
SA:Â Crisis Team 13 14 65
TAS: 1800 332 388, between 9am – 11pm, or nearest hospital
VIC: Suicide Helpline Victoria 1300 651 251 or call nearest hospital for closest crisis team
WA:Â Mental Health Emergency Response Line 1300 555 788 (Metro local call) or 1800 676 822 (Peel free call)
Elsewhere, call RuralLink on 1800 552 002.
Websites
Beyond Blue
The Beyond Blue website is a goldmine when it comes to depression and anxiety. The website has got questionnaires, useful information, resources and fact sheets. Plus, many of their resources come in multiple languages. And if that wasn’t enough, they have got a 24-hour helpline that can give you even more information and refer you to services for anxiety and depression. There is even a directory of online mental services and therapies. And if you want to speak to someone, the site has a super handy list of doctors and practitioners who are keen to help with mental health and illness.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
If you are looking for a resource with current and relevant information on depression and crisis support, then the NIMH website is it.
MoodGYM
MoodGYM is a website that trains you to think in ways that help prevent depression. It sounds too good to be true, but a scientific trial found MoodGYM is effective in the prevention and reduction of some depressive symptoms.
Help for People with Disabilities
Live Wire
This is a free online community where you can connect with other young people living with disabilities. They have moderated chats that go live every day from 12pm to 12am. If you are someone living with a disability or chronic illness, Live Wire is the perfect space for you to vent and share and connect.
EACH
1300 003 224
These guys can help you with things like independent living, connecting with the community, and mental health. They have a wide range of NDIS services, and you can find out all about them on their website.
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
02 7209 6301
https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/disability_inclusion
Guided by the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the social model of disability, the project aims to build the individual and collective capacity of LGBTIQ people with disability (PWD) in a dynamic and innovative way to strengthen existing knowledge and skills.
The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline
1800 880 052
https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/complaints/hotline
The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline (The Hotline), is a free, independent and confidential service for reporting abuse and neglect of people with disability. Anyone can contact the Hotline, including family members, friends, service providers or a person with disability. The Hotline works with callers to find appropriate ways of dealing with reports of abuse and neglect of people with disability.
Help for Eating Disorders
Telephone and Online Support
The Butterfly Foundation
1800 33 4673
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, The Buttery Foundation is here to help. The nation-wide organisation provides support and advocacy to you and your loved ones. Their website is a well of amazing resources. And should you ever need support, reach out to them by email or live chat.
Websites
Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria
 This website has a wealth of information for parents, carers, friends and professionals who are in contact with someone grappling with an eating disorder.
How Far is Too Far?
 This website covers eating disorders, body image and exercise. Plus, the site is divided into sections for young people, families, professionals, and schools, so that you can find relevant information quickly and easily.
Feed Your Instinct
 If you are concerned that someone in your family has an eating disorder, this is the place to go. The website provides you with a checklist that helps you decide if your family members need professional support.
Beat: beating eating disorders
 This is a website run by the Eating Disorders Association. You might find the specific section for young people helpful.Â
Help with Financial Hardship
Services Australia
servicesaustralia.gov.au
Follow the link above and it will direct to the government’s website for severe financial hardship, recovering from a disaster, or special assistance. They have a wide range of services that include financial payments.
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MoneySmart
This website has a load of information and resources on managing y money. They have plenty of tips and tricks on reducing debt, planning for the future, and getting money quickly in crisis situations. It is definitely worth checking out if you are in a tight spot.
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The Salvation Army Financial Assistance
Salvos provide crisis support, financial coaching, financial skills programs, financial counselling, and a no interest loan scheme. You can find out more on their website listed above. Just click the link and your way.
Help for First Nations People
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)
(03) 9403 3300
VAHS offers counseling to Aboriginal adults and children living in Victoria. Their services are culturally aware and cover a wide range of issues. For more information visit their website or call them on the number provided above.
Headspace | Yarn Safe
On the website above you can find a bunch of information if you are feeling down, stressed or disconnected. You can also visit a Headspace center and talk to someone about what you are dealing with.
Wellmob
wellmob.org.au
Wellmob helps you with social, emotional and cultural wellbeing. Their website has online resources and counselling services. If you need help with your worries, racism or even if you are feeling unsafe, you can find help on Wellmob’s website.
Help for People with Food
Foodbank
These guys provide food for charities, schools and individuals. They are basically like a massive pantry that you can go collect food from. And better yet, they are based all over the country.
Angel Care
Angel Care is located in Sydney and provides food and financial support if you are in immediate need. Take a look at their website to find out more.
Vincent Care
Vincent Care give emergency relief to those in need. They will give you vouchers for food, transport and the chemist. They operate out of Ozanam House in North Melbourne and Hume Community Hub in Shepparton.
Study Melbourne
If you are an international student studying in Melbourne, this program can help. Study Melbourne provides free food and meals for any international student who needs it.
Help with Homelessness
Websites
The Salvation Army
 If you are living in an unsafe or uncertain situation, the Salvation Army’s Homelessness Support Services might be a good place to start. Their services are free, and they offer support with everything from accommodation, to advocacy, to warm meals. They have a large network of organisations all over the country and a wide range of services. Their services are available to adults and families with accompanying children.
Frontyard Youth Services
 If you are between the age of 12 to 24, at risk of homelessness, and unsure of what to do next, the Frontyard Youth Services can help. Frontyard supports at-risk youth by giving them accommodation, case management, health support and training to live independently. Frontyard offers support specifically to youth living in Melbourne and Victoria. Frontyard Youth Services is an initiative by the Melbourne City Mission.
Aboriginal House Victoria (AHV)
 Aboriginal Housing Victoria strives to place Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in secure and affordable housing. AVH provides long term housing as well as emergency housing. The organisation’s properties are owned by Aboriginal landlords to ensure the strengthening of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria. You can apply for housing on their website listed above.
Legal Aid
Victoria Legal Aid
https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/
Victoria Legal Aid helps people with their legal problems. The can provide free legal information and education to all Victorians, with a focus on prevention and early resolution of legal problems. Free telephone advice in a range of languages 1300 792 387
Help for LGBTQIA+ People
QLife
1800 184 527 (3pm to-midnight local time, 7 days a week)
 Finally, Australia’s first nationwide counseling and referral service for the LGBTQIA+ community. QLife delivers early intervention, peer supported telephone and web-based services to everyone, no matter their age, gender or sexuality. Take a look at the website for some guides that might just come in handy.
Touchbase
 This website has plenty of resources on mental health and substance use among the Australian LGBTQIA+ community. It even has a section on sexual health.
With Respect
1800 542 847
With Respect provides resources, tips and advice for LGBTIQ+ people of all ages and their families experiencing difficulty in their relationships, including family violence.
Help for Psychosis
Telephone and Online Support
SANE Helpline
1800 187 263
The SANE Helpline gives information and advice on severe mental illness between 9 to 5, weekdays EST.
Mental Health Crisis Numbers
ACT:Â Mental Health Triage Service, available 24/7, 1800 629 354 or 02 6205 1065
NSW:Â Call nearest hospital or the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511
QLD: MH CALL Triage Service, available 24/7, 1300 642 255
SA:Â Crisis Team 13 14 65
TAS: 1800 332 388, between 9am – 11pm, or nearest hospital
VIC: Suicide Helpline Victoria 1300 651 251 or call nearest hospital for closest crisis team
WA:Â Mental Health Emergency Response Line 1300 555 788 (Metro local call) or 1800 676 822 (Peel free call)
Elsewhere, call RuralLink on 1800 552 002.
Websites
Black Dog Institute
 These guys provide brilliant information when it comes to bipolar. On their website you’ll find a self-assessment test and downloadable fact sheets.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
 If you are looking for a resource with current and relevant information on psychosis, then the NIMH website is it.
Oyrgen Specialist Program
oyh.org.au
Oyrgen provides early intervention for people aged 15 to 25. Their services are geared towards those who suffer from severe and/or complex mental illness. They offer a range of clinical care programs, which include training for health professionals. Their website has plenty of valuable resources for potential clients, families, peers and health workers. Oyrgen is specifically targeted towards youth who live in the north-western regions of metropolitan Melbourne.
Bipolar Caregivers
bipolarcaregivers.org
If you are supporting someone with bipolar, this is the site for you.
Support and Education Groups
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia
 This is a nationwide organisation that not only helps people with severe mental illness but helps their friends and family too.
Mental Health Carers Australia
mentalhealthcarersaustralia.org.au
 This organisation cares about the carers. It supports and promotes the wellbeing of those who are voluntarily caring for people with mental illness. Go to their website to find out where their branches are located.
Help for Substance Abuse Problems (Drugs & Alcohol)
Telephone and Online Support
Quitline
131 848
24/7 smoking quit line. Call: 131 848
Counselling Online
This is a 24/7 free online text-based counselling service for alcohol, other drug users and their loved ones.
Alcohol and Drug Information Services (ADIS)
This is a nationwide service for anyone who has questions about alcohol and drugs. You can call it anytime, any day.
ACT: phone (02) 6207 9977
NSW:Â phone (02) 9361 8000, rural NSW free call 1800 422 599
NT: phone (08) 8922 8399 (Darwin), (08) 8951 7580 (Alice Springs), statewide free call 1800 131 350
QLD:Â Statewide free call 1800 177 833
SA:Â (08) 8363 8618Â (Adelaide), statewide free call 1300 131 340
TAS:Â phone (03) 9416 1818 (Hobart), statewide free call 1800 811 994
VIC: phone (03) 9418 1011, statewide free call 1800 888 236
WA:Â phone (08) 9442 5000,
statewide free call 1800 198 024
Websites
Check Your Drinking
checkyourdrinking.net
 Worried about how much you’re drinking? Even if you are not, it’s okay to check. The short questionnaire on this site establishes how much you are drinking compared to people in your age group.Â
Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice Service (YODAA)
 This website is teeming with information that is tailored to four groups: young people, workers, families and carers, and schools. It also has plenty of interactive tools.
Alcohol and Drug Foundation
 This website will give you a load of facts about most types of drugs that are used dangerously.
Help for Victims of Crime
EmergencyÂ
Phone: 000
In the case of an emergency or life-threatening situation call the police:Â 000
Text Emergency Relay Service
Phone: 106
 This is an emergency text-based relay service if you have hearing or speech impairment.
Victims of Crime
Phone: 1800 819 817
Text: 0427 767 891
 This service provides free information if you, or some you know, has been affected by crime. This website has advice on reporting a crime, other services that can help, information about court processes, and getting financial assistance. This is a Victoria based service.
Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL)
Phone: 02 4926 2711
This is a victim support service that provides emotional support, practical help, and court support. They are a NSW based organisation, but if you need support outside of the state, they have a contact list of interstate services like theirs.
Violence
The Orange Door
orangedoor.vic.gov.au
The Orange Door helps women, children, and young people who are experiencing family violence to the services they need. Their website has resources and contact for people who are feeling unsafe but not experiencing immediate danger.
1800 RESPECT
https://www.1800respect.org.au/help-and-support
National sexual assault, domestic and family violence information and support line, 24 hours. Also provides information for family and friends, and workers and professionals on supporting women and children experiencing violence.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
1800 015 188 (support line)
+613 9322 3555
24-hour family violence response line providing access to professional support.
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
1800 806 292
After-hours, telephone crisis counselling service for victim/survivors of both past and recent sexual assault. SACL operates between 5pm weeknights through to 9am the next day and throughout weekends and public holidays.
With Respect
1800 542 847
With Respect is a specialist LGBTIQ family violence service supporting both people in LGBTIQ communities and their families affected by family violence. After hours counselling is available on Wednesday, between 5pm and 11pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, between 10am and 10pm.
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