Support Services
Please don’t hesitate to call for extra support if you need it. Many services and organisations are there to lend a helping hand.
These are services in Australia and Victoria, as this is where we are based. If you know of services in your state or country, please email us and we’ll add to this list.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT
Call triple zero: 000
In an emergency and/or immediate danger. If you believe there is a risk of safety to yourself/others/your young person.
CRISIS SUPPORT
Lifeline (Australia-wide)
Call: 13 11 14
lifeline.org.au
All ages.
Lifeline provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services.
Kids Helpline (Australia-wide)
Call: 1800 551800
kidshelpline.com.au
For ages 5-25.
Kids Helpline provides a free 24/7 phone and online counselling service for children and young people aged between 5 and 25.
Suicide Call Back Service (Australia-wide)
Call: 1300 659 467
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
For ages 15+.
Suicide Call Back Service is a national 24/7 telehealth provider that offers free professional phone and online counselling for people living in Australia.
This is telephone counselling support to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.
SuicideLine (Victoria) Helpline
Call: 1300 651 251
suicideline.org.au
SuicideLine Victoria offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.
Beyond Blue (Australia-wide)
Call: 1300 22 4636
beyondblue.org.au
Provides information and support to help with depression, anxiety and related disorders.
Headspace (Australia-wide)
Call: 1800 650 890
headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
For Young people aged 12-25. Help also for parents and carers.
Click here to find a centre near you: headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. They support young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug services. With a focus on early intervention, Headspace works with young people to provide support at a crucial time in their lives – to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future.
SUPPORT
Parent Line (Victoria)
Call: 13 22 89
services.dffh.vic.gov.au/parentline
Parentline is a statewide telephone counselling and support service for all Victorian parents and carers of children from 0-18 years.
ReachOut (Australia-wide)
Online mental health organization for young people and their parents. Practical tools and tips. Includes self-help information, peer-support program and referral tools. For young people, parents and schools.
Switchboard (Victoria)
https://www.switchboard.org.au/resources
LGBTIQA+
Switchboard provides peer-driven support services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people, their families, allies and communities.
All ages. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) communities.
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG SUPPORT
YoDAA Youth Drugs and Alcohol Advice (Victoria)
Call: 1800 458 685
yodaa.org.au
Youth Drugs and Alcohol Advice (YoDAA) provides support to young people with alcohol or drug problems in Victoria. Whether you are a young person, or someone concerned about a young person with an alcohol or drug problem, YoDAA can provide access to the information and support you need.
YSAS – Youth Support and Advocacy Service (Victoria)
Provides programs to help people aged 12 – 21 years for drug and alcohol problems. YSAS also provides specialist support programs to help at-risk youth. This could be for youth recently in contact with police and are at risk of entering the youth justice system.
FAMILY DRUG AND GAMBLING HELP
SHARC – Family Drug and Gambling Helpline
Call: 1300 660 068
www.sharc.org.au
www.sharc.org.au/sharc-programs/family-drug-gambling-help/
Provides practical help, information and support to families and friends affected by someone’s drinking, drug use or gambling. Delivers professional and peer-based services across Victoria including counselling, support groups, educational programs and a 24-hour helpline.
DirectLine (Victoria)
Call: 1800 888 236
www.directline.org.au
This is a 24-hour telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone affected by drugs in Victoria.
FAMILY VIOLENCE SUPPORT
Safe Steps (Victoria)
Call: 1800 015 188
safesteps.org.au
Safe Steps is Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre. Provides specialist support services for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence.
The Orange Door
The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children.
1800 RESPECT (Australia-wide)
Call: 1800 015 188
1800respect.org.au
All ages. A national sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service. Support if you, or someone you know, is experiencing sexual assault or domestic and family violence.