Helplines, telephone and online counselling services for children, young people and adults
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call Police on 000.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, and you are unsure which service to contact, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Both are available from anywhere in Australia 24 hours a day (toll free) and provide generalist crisis counselling, information and referral services.
If you need to report an incident of child abuse or neglect, refer to the CFCA resource Reporting Abuse and Neglect: Information for Service Providers.
Overview
This resource sheet is designed to provide practitioners and service providers with the contact details and links to helplines, telephone and online counselling services for children, young people and adults. It includes services related to topics such as family and domestic violence, gambling, mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and drug use, legal services and parenting. It also includes services specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people living or working in rural areas. Services are grouped according to the location in which they operate.
Note: this is not an exhaustive list of services that are available. If you wish to make a suggestion for the addition of a helpline, telephone or online counselling service, or if you find the information provided is no longer correct, please email [email protected].
If you wish to make a suggestion for the addition of a helpline, telephone or online counselling service, or if you find the information provided is no longer correct, please email [email protected].
Australia-wide
Information regarding call costs
1800 numbers: Calls to 1800 numbers are free if you call from a landline telephone. These calls are also free for Telstra, Optus and Vodafone mobile customers. Check with your mobile phone provider or refer to your mobile phone plan for further information regarding call costs.
13/1300 numbers: Calls to 13 or 1300 numbers are charged at local call rates when calling from a landline telephone. Different rates apply when calling from a mobile phone. Check with your mobile phone provider or refer to your mobile phone plan for further information regarding call costs.
| Helpline/ Counselling service | Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1800 RESPECT | A national counselling, information and referral service for anyone who has experiences of, or is at risk of physical or sexual violence. This service is designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities, Indigenous Australians, young people and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Online counselling is also available. Other services include online chat, a mobile text service and video calling. | Yes | 1800 RESPECT Text service 0458 737 732 |
| Alcohol and Drug Counselling Online | A free online and SMS/text-based service for Australian residents concerned about or affected by alcohol and other drugs. Online peer support forums also available. | Yes | Alohol and Drug Counselling Online See the website to sign-up for SMS support. |
| Alcohol and Drug Foundation | A telephone and online service for anyone who needs relevant, up-to-date information about alcohol and other drugs. | Yes | 1800 250 015 Alcohol and Drug Foundation |
| All-hours Support Line | A confidential telephone service for Australian Defence Force members and their families to facilitate access to ADF or civilian mental health services. Services include psychology, medical, social work, and chaplain services. | Yes | 1800 628 036 |
| Australian Breastfeeding Association | Provides breastfeeding information and support to mothers, their support networks (e.g. other family members) and health professionals. Webchat is also available. | Yes | 1800 686 268 Breastfeeding Helpline
|
| Autism Connect | A free national autism helpline, providing independent and expert information. It supports Autistic people, their families and carers, health professionals, researchers, teachers, employers and the broader community. Live web chat is available. | No | 1300 308 699 Mon-Fri: 8am – 7pm |
| Beyond Blue | Provides information and confidential telephone and online counselling for people who may be experiencing anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Services are also available for young people. Includes a 24/7 web chat service. | Yes | 1300 224 636 Beyond Blue Counselling |
| Blue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service | Blue Knot Foundation provides support and a referral service for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, carers of adult survivors and professionals who work with them. Webchat is also available. | No | 1300 657 380 Email: [email protected] |
| Bravehearts Information and Support Line | Open to anyone wanting information, advice, referrals and support regarding child sexual abuse. | No | 1800 272 831 Mon to Fri: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (AEST) (hours vary on public holidays) Bravehearts Information and Support Line |
| Brother to Brother Crisis Line (Dardi Munwurro) | Provides phone support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues or who are struggling to cope for other reasons. The line is staffed by Aboriginal men, including Elders, who have lived experience in the issues that the line offers support for. | Yes | 1800 435 799 Brother To Brother - Dardi Munwurro |
| Bush Support Line (CRANA) | Provides a confidential platform for the health workforce, including nurses, midwives, aged care workers, health students, doctors, and allied health professionals, and their families who live or work in remote areas. Callers can discuss difficulties, seek advice and develop coping strategies with an experienced psychologist. | Yes | 1800 805 391 Bush Support Line |
| Butterfly National Helpline | A free and confidential service, run by qualified health professionals, for anyone in Australia concerned about eating disorders or body image issues. This helpline is for individuals who need support for themselves or someone they care about. Online chat is also available. | No | 1800 33 4673 Mon to Sun: 8 am to 12 am (AEST) Helpline - Butterfly Foundation |
| Child Support enquiry lines (Services Australia) | A helpline for anyone who has questions about child support or who needs to report a change in circumstances. Interpreters are available. | No | 131 272 Mon to Fri: 8:30 am to 4:45 pm Phone us - Accessing our services - Services Australia |
| Parents Beyond Breakup (previously Dads in Distress Helpline) | A free peer-support organisation offering information, resources, referrals and support to separated dads and their families. Online chat and peer support meetings are available. | No | 1300 853 437 |
| Defence Member and Family Helpline | Support for Australian Defence Force members and their families, staffed by qualified human service professionals including social workers and psychologists. Members and families who are living overseas can contact the helpline free of charge (see country-specific numbers on webpage). | Yes | 1800 624 608 Defence Member and Family Helpline |
| Dolly’s Dream | Dolly’s Dream Provides counselling support for young people experiencing bullying and for parents concerned about bullying. Webchat is also available. | Yes | 0488 881 033 |
| eheadspace | A free and confidential telephone and online service for young people aged 12 to 25. Qualified youth mental health professionals provide support to young people worried about their mental health or experiencing issues such as depression, bullying and isolation. Support is also available to concerned parents or carers. Webchat is also available. | No | 1800 650 890 Mon to Sun: 3 pm to 10 pm (AEST) eheadspace |
| Elder Abuse helpline (Compass) | A free service for anyone wanting information or advice on elder abuse. This number will redirect callers to a phone service in their state and operating times vary. | No | 1800 353 374 Contact Us - Compass |
| Family Drug Support Australia | A telephone support service for users, families and carers affected by alcohol and other drug issues. | Yes | 1300 368 186 Family Drug Support Australia |
| Family Relationship Advice Line | Provides information on family relationship issues and advice on parenting arrangements after separation. It is for anyone – including step-parents, young people and friends – affected by family relationship or separation issues. Referrals to local services are also offered. | No | 1800 050 321 Mon to Fri: 8 am – 8 pm Sat: 10 am – 4 pm (AEST) (excluding national public holidays) |
| ForWhen | A free national service that provides support to new and expectant parents with perinatal mental health concerns, connecting them to local support services and resources that best match their needs. | No | 1300 24 23 22 Mon to Fri: 9 am – 4:30 pm |
| Forced Adoption Support Service | Provides specialist support services for people affected by past forced adoption policies and practices. | No | 1800 210 313 Mon to Fri: 9 am – 5 pm Forced Adoption Support Services |
| Full Stop Australia | Provides free, confidential, trauma specialist counselling to people of all genders who have been subject to sexual, domestic and family violence, as well as to their friends, colleagues and family members. | Yes | 1800 385 578 |
| Full Stop Australia (National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service) | Provides support to adults who experienced sexual assault in childhood and are involved in, or impacted by, the National Redress Scheme resulting from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. | Yes | 1800 211 028 Full Stop Australia: National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service |
| Full Stop Australia (Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline) | Provides trauma counselling, information and referral to other services for anyone in Australia from LGBTQ+ communities who has recently or in the past experienced sexual, domestic or family violence. Also provides vicarious trauma support and debrief for professionals. | Yes | 1800 497 212 Full Stop Australia: Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline |
| Gambling Help | Anonymous support for people with gambling problems, family and friends close to them, and those just wanting to cut back or regain control. Online chat counselling is also available. | Yes | 1800 858 858 Gambling Help Online |
| Gidget Foundation | Mental health support for expectant, new and potential parents | No | 1300 851 758 Mon-Fri: 9 am – 5 pm |
| Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carer Adviser line (Services Australia) | Support for formal and informal carers who provide ongoing care for children. | No | 1800 245 965 Mon to Fri: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carer Advisers - Services Australia |
| GriefLine | Provides support to people experiencing loss and grief, at any stage in life. Moderated online forums are also available. | No | 1300 845 745 Mon to Fri: 8 am – 8 pm (AEST) GriefLine |
| Kids Helpline | Provides confidential telephone and online counselling services to young people aged 5 to 25 years old for any reason. WebChat counselling is available. | Yes | 1800 551 800 Kids Helpline Webchat counselling: kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling |
| Knowmore | Provides trauma-informed legal assistance, financial counselling and social support for victim-survivors of childhood abuse and members of the Stolen Generation. Specialised cultural support is available for First Nations peoples. | No | 1800 605 762 Mon-Fri: 9 am – 5 pm |
| Lifeline | A generalist and crisis telephone counselling, information and referral service provided by trained volunteers who are supported by professional staff. Online chat and text services are also available. | Yes | 13 11 14 0477 13 11 14 (sms service) Online chat service Lifeline |
| MensLine Australia | A telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns (e.g. parenting issues, family violence, emotional wellbeing). MensLine is staffed by professional counsellors who are experienced in men’s issues. Online and video chat is also available. | Yes | 1300 789 978 Online chat and video counselling MensLine Australia |
| Men's Referral Service | Offers a confidential telephone service as well as online chat. For men who have or are still behaving abusively, family members who are impacted, and friends, family or colleagues who want to understand how to support others. Translators and WebChat are available. | Yes | 1300 766 491 |
| Mind Connect | Provides free, confidential information, support and referral for people with a mental health and wellbeing concerns and their family, carers and friends. | No | 1300 286 463 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm (AEST) |
| Miracle Babies Foundation NurtureLine | A free family support helpline for families with a threatened pregnancy, a premature baby in a neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery, or those transitioning to home and onwards. Support is provided by trained family support volunteers. | Yes | 1300 622 243 Miracle Babies Foundation |
| Mob Strong Debt Help (Financial Rights and Legal Centre) | Provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples information, advice and assistance about tackling credit, debt and insurance matters. | No | 1800 808 488 Mon-Fri: 9:30am – 4:30pm |
| My Aged Care | Provides information and assistance on how to access aged care services for individuals, family members, friends or an elderly person requiring care. | No | 1800 200 422
Excluding public holidays |
| National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline | Provides confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs to individuals, family and friends, general practitioners, health professionals, and business and community groups. The hotline will automatically redirect you to the Alcohol and Other Drug Information Service operating in your state or territory. | Yes | 1800 250 015 National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline |
| National Debt Helpline | Offers free advice on how to manage debt by a financial counsellor. Live online chat is also available. | 1800 007 007 Mon to Fri: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Live chat available Mon to Fri: 9 am – 8 pm National Debt Helpline | |
| National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) | Provides National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) information to people with disability, service providers, businesses and members of the community. Webchat is also available. | No | 1800 800 110 Mon to Fri: 8 am – 8 pm (AEST) Webchat service Mon to Fri: 8 am – 8 pm (AEST) National Disability Insurance Agency |
| Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling | Counselling for anyone who has served at least one day in the Australian Defence Force, their partners and families. This service is usually for the short-term treatment of a specific problem. | Yes | 1800 011 046 Counselling - Open Arms |
| PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) | Provides confidential counselling, support, information and referrals to local services for anyone affected by perinatal (during pregnancy and after birth) anxiety and depression. The service also provides secondary consultations for health professionals. Interpreters are available. | No | 1300 726 306 Sat: 9 am - 4 pm (AEST) |
| Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline | Offers free and confidential support and information about pregnancy, infancy and children up to 5 years of age. Video call is also available. | No | 1800 882 436 Mon – Sun: 7 am – 12 am (AEST) Video call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline |
| QLife | Provides anonymous peer support and referral services for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex (LGBTI). Telephone and webchat support are available. | No | 1800 184 527 Mon to Sun: 3 pm to 9 pm (AEST) QLife |
| Quitline | Provides support, information and resources on quitting smoking. Quitline can help people prepare quit plans and develop strategies to overcome cravings, triggers and other common quitting challenges. Online chat service is also available. | No | 13 78 48 Sat: 10 am – 5 pm (VIC & WA) Sat: 9 am – 5 pm (ACT & NSW) Closed on public holidays (Vis, ACT, NSW, NT, SA, Tas, WA) Queensland available weekends and public holidays: 8:30 am – 5 pm |
| Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line | A free bereavement support line for anyone affected by the unexpected death of a baby or child during birth, pregnancy or infancy, regardless of the cause. A trained volunteer parent is available to chat, advocate and assist with support and services. Online chat is also available. | Yes | 1300 308 307 Tues & Wed: 11 am – 2 pm |
| SANE Australia | Provides information, guidance and referrals to adults who are affected by or need support to manage complex mental health concerns. Online chat and email counselling are also available. | No | 1800 187 263 Mon – Fri: 10 am – 8 pm (AEST/AEDT) SANE Australia |
| Standby - Support After Suicide | A program dedicated to assisting people and communities who are bereaved or impacted by suicide at any stage in their lives. For individuals, families and friends, witnesses, first responders and service providers. This helpline can connect callers to service providers in their local area. | No | 1300 727 247 Mon – Sun: 6 am – 10 pm |
| Suicide Call Back Service | Provides telephone, video and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide, which can include feeling suicidal, being worried about someone, caring for someone suicidal, being bereaved by suicide and health professionals supporting people affected by suicide. | Yes | 1300 659 467 Online chat available 24/7 and video chat available by appointment. |
| Thirrili | An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisation that provides emotional and practical support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families impacted by a loss from suicide or other fatal traumatic incidents. | Yes | 1800 805 801 |
| ListenWell (Wellways) | A peer-led, volunteer support and referral service that provides information to people experiencing mental health issues and to their families and friends. | No | 1300 111 500 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 9 pm (AEST) excluding public holidays ListenWell - Wellways |
| Youth Law Australia (YLA) | Offers free and confidential legal advice for young people. Online submission form is also available. The Young Worker’s Rights Service is available to young people living in NSW, the ACT or the NT who have questions about their rights at work. | No | 1800 950 570 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 4:30 pm (AEDT) |
| 13 YARN | Provides a confidential, judgement-free and culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to yarn about their needs, worries or concerns. This service is run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. | Yes | 13 92 76 13YARN Crisis support |
Australian Capital Territory
| Helpline/Counselling service | Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Mental Health | Provides information, recommendations and referrals to further mental health supports for people who have concerns about their own or someone else’s mental health. | Yes | 1800 629 354 |
| Canberra Rape Crisis Service (CRCC) | Confidential counselling and practical support for women and children who have experienced any form of sexual assault recently or in the past. Telephone workers also offer referrals to other services, support through legal and medical processes and support for family and friends. | No | (02) 6247 2525 Mon – Sun: 7 am – 11 pm Phone line available for deaf and hard of hearing individuals 0488 586 518 |
| Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) – Crisis Line | Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, referral, information, support and practical assistance for people subjected to, or using, violence and abuse in relationships. The crisis line gives priority to those subjected to violence. | Yes | (02) 6280 0900 |
| Legal Aid ACT Helpline | Provides free legal information from ACT Legal Aid for specific populations (e.g. young people, older persons) and issues (e.g. tenancy, family relationships, migration and visas). | No | 1300 654 314 Mon – Thur: 8:30 am – 7 pm |
| Parentline ACT | Confidential counselling service for parents and carers. Qualified professionals offer immediate counselling, referrals to other agencies, and ideas and resources about parenting. | No | (02) 6287 3833 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 4 pm (excluding public holidays) |
| Perinatal Wellbeing Centre | Provides mental health , support services and referrals for parents throughout the perinatal period. | No | (02) 6288 1936 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 3:30 pm |
| Service Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault (SAMSSA) | Provides confidential counselling support, information and referral for men over 16 years of age who have experienced sexual assault or child abuse. SAMSSA is a program of the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre. | No | (02) 6247 2525 Mon – Sun: 7 am – 11 pm Phone line available for deaf and hard of hearing individuals 0488 586 518 |
New South Wales
| Helpline/Counselling service | Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence Line | Trained female caseworkers provide counselling, information and referrals for people who are experiencing or have experienced domestic and family violence. Staff are aware of the special needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and women from other cultures, as well as those living in rural and remote areas. Interpreters are available. | Yes | 1800 656 463 |
| First Nations Women's Legal Contact Line | Free confidential legal information, advice and referrals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in NSW with a focus on domestic violence, sexual assault, parenting issues, family law, discrimination and victim's support. | No | 1800 639 784 (rural) or Mon, Tues and Thurs: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Fridays: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Karitane Careline | Provides support, advice and encouragement to parents with children up to five years. Child and family health nurses are available to discuss feeding problems, immunisation, toilet training, developmental milestones and more. | No | 1300 227 464 Mon – Thurs: 8 am – 7 pm |
| LawAccess NSW (Legal Aid) | Provides free legal advice from Legal Aid NSW. A youth-specific helpline and a helpline for specialist family law services are also available. Online chat available.
| No | 1300 888 529 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm excluding public holidays Youth Helpline: 1800 101 810 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 12 am 24-hour service over weekend (Fri 9 am – Sun 12 am). Family Law Early Intervention Unit: 1800 551 589 |
| NSW Ageing and Disability Helpline | Provides advice to older people and adults with disability experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation or those reporting concerns of abuse of an older person or adult with disability. | No | 1800 628 221 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 4 pm |
| NSW Mental Health Line | Statewide phone service that links people with NSW Health mental health services. | Yes | 1800 001 511 |
| NSW Sexual Violence Helpline (Formerly NSW Rape Crisis) | A helpline for anyone in NSW impacted by sexual assault, recently or in the past (including victim-survivors, friends, families and supporters). | Yes | 1800 424 017 |
| Opioid Treatment Line (OTL) | Provides opiate pharmacotherapy information (including methadone and buprenorphine), referrals and advice. | No | 1800 642 428 Mon – Fri: 9:30 am – 5 pm (excluding public holidays) |
| Parent Line | Trained, professional counsellors with experience in helping families offer advice and information for parents and carers with children aged 0-18 years. Support is available for issues such as behavioural and emotional problems, discipline, adolescent issues, family relationships, sole parent issues, school problems, child care and juvenile justice. | No | 1300 130 052 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 9 pm |
| Transcultural Mental Health Line | Provides support for people who are from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The service includes advice on how to improve wellbeing and mental health, help with accessing mental health services in specific communities and support to care for someone else with a mental health concern. | No | 1800 648 911
Mon – Fri: 9 am – 4:30 pm
|
| Tresillian Parent's Help Line | Qualified child and family health nurses provide advice on any aspect of parenting of children aged up to five years. | No | 1300 272 736 Mon – Sun: 7 am – 11 pm |
| Victims Access Line | Provides confidential support and information to victims of all crimes, including sexual and physical assault and family violence. Interpreter support is available. | No | 1800 633 063 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm |
| Women’s Legal Advice Line | Provides free confidential legal information, advice and referrals for women with a focus on family law, child care and protection, victims support and sexual assault. | No | (02) 8745 6988 1800 801 784 (rural) |
Northern Territory
| Helpline/Counselling service | Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Aid Helpline NT | Provides free legal information from the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission. If you are seeking help regarding Family Violence Law, please call this number to be transferred to the Family Advocacy and Support Services team. | No | 1800 019 343 Mon – Fri: 8 am – 4:30 pm |
| Parentline | Provides confidential telephone counselling to support and nurture positive, caring relationships between parents, children, teenagers and significant other people who are important to the wellbeing of families. Webchat is also available. | No | 1300 301 300 Mon – Sun: 6 am – midnight (AEST) WebChat |
| Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) | Provides a counselling service to both adults and children who may have experienced any form of sexual assault (recent or past). Medical and legal support is also available. | Yes* | (08) 8955 4500 (Alice Springs) (08) 8922 6472 (Darwin) 24/7 service All other locations call 1800 RESPECT Sexual assault referral centres *Only Darwin and Alice Springs provide 24 hours a day service. |
| Territory FACES (Family and Children’s Enquiry and Support) | Provides connections for families to support services and resources. This Northern Territory Government helpline is available to anyone experiencing difficulties such as parenting problems, family relationships, money issues and housing. | No | 1800 999 900 Mon – Fri: 8 am – 4:21 pm (ACST) |
| Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia (WOSSCA) | A specialist domestic and family violence support service that provides counselling, outreach, referral and crisis accommodation for women and children. | Yes* | Crisis Accommodation Service (08) 8952 6075 Available 24/7 Outreach Support (08) 8953 7648 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 4 pm |
Queensland
| Helpline/Counselling service | Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol and Drug Support (ADIS Queensland) | Provides an anonymous and confidential space for people to talk about their concerns, receive information and explore options and support around their drug and alcohol use. | Yes | 1800 177 833 |
| DVConnect Mensline | Provides confidential counselling, information and advice to men affected by domestic and family violence, relationship problems, child support and health issues. | No | 1800 600 636 Mon – Sun: 9 am – 12 am |
| DVConnect Womensline | Offers information, advice and counselling to women affected by domestic and family violence. Also provides referral to women and their children who need crisis accommodation due to domestic and family violence. | Yes | 1800 811 811 |
| Homelessness Hotline | Provides information and referral services for people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. | Yes | 1800 474 753 |
| Immigrant Women's Support Service (IWSS) | Provides support to women from non-English speaking backgrounds who are affected by domestic and family violence and sexual assault. | No | (07) 3846 3490 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 4 pm |
| Legal Aid, Queensland | Provides free legal information from Legal Aid, Queensland. A helpline for specialist family law, child protection and domestic violence services is also available. | No | 1300 651 188 Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (excluding public holidays) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information Line 1300 650 143 Youth legal advice hotline 1800 527 527 |
| Parentline | Provides confidential telephone counselling to support and nurture positive, caring relationships between parents, children, teenagers and significant other people who are important to the wellbeing of families. | No | 1300 301 300 Mon – Sun: 6 am – midnight Webchat Counselling
|
| Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline | A free confidential service operated by DVConnect. Provides crisis counselling and referrals for people who have experienced sexual assault and abuse. | No | 1800 010 120 Mon – Sun: 7:30 am – 11:30 pm |
| Survivors and Mates Support Network (SAMSN) | Provides free support and information for male survivors of child sexual abuse. | No | 1800 472 676 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm |
| Queensland Elder Abuse Helpline | A contact point for anyone who experiences, witnesses or suspects that an older person is being abuse by someone they know and trust. Provides information, support and referral for elder abuse situations. | No | 1300 651 192 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm |
| Women’s Legal Service Queensland | Provides legal assistance and other key support services to women in the areas of domestic and family violence, family law, child protection and sexual assault. | No | 1800 957 957 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 4:30 pm AEST |
South Australia
| Helpline/Counselling Service | Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults Supporting Kids | An information and service directory for families in South Australia to find services to keep children safe and healthy | No | Adults Supporting Kids |
| After Hours Crisis Care | An after-hours crisis helpline for young people in need of urgent assistance in the areas of domestic and family violence, child protection and personal trauma, who are under the guardianship of the Minister for Child Protection | No | 13 16 11 (08) 8124 4422 Mon – Fri: 4 pm – 9 am |
| Domestic Violence Crisis Line | Provides counselling, information and support for anyone affected by abuse in their personal relationships. | Yes | 1800 800 098 The Domestic Violence Crisis Line is part of Women’s Safety Services SA. |
| Elm Place (Relationships Australia, SA) | These helplines provide access to, or can answer questions about, the following programs. Post Care Support Services provides case management, counselling, information and advocacy to support young people and adults who have lived in care and/or were placed under the Guardianship of the Chief Executive of the Department for Child Protection in South Australia as a child for more than six months. Find & Connect offers support to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants who were in care in Australia between 1920 and 1989, including those who were in foster care, orphanage care and in care at other state or church-based institutions. The Redress Support Services are available for people who have experienced sexual abuse as children (under the age of 18 years) in institutional contexts before the commencement of the Redress Scheme on 1 July 2018. | No | 1800 188 118 (PCSS) Post Care Support Services – Elm Place 1800 161 109 Find & Connect Support Services – Elm Place 1800 998 187 Redress Support Services – Elm Place
All available Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm |
First Nations Healing
| Provides counselling, referrals, information, support and emergency accommodation for Aboriginal women and children (boys up to 12 years) who are experiencing domestic or family violence. | No |
|
| Homeless Connect SA | Provides information and referral into homelessness services for anyone experiencing homelessness in South Australia. | Yes | 1800 003 308 |
| Legal Services SA | Provides free legal information from South Australia Legal Aid. Areas of law covered include family law and child support, domestic and family violence and child protection. | No | 1300 366 424 Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm |
| Parent Helpline | Provides confidential telephone information and support to parents with children aged 0-5 years on issues such as health, behaviour, relationships and service referrals. | Yes* | 1300 364 100 *Calls received outside of 7:15 am – 9:15 pm will be redirected to the healthdirect service. |
| Sexual Healthline – Shine SA | Calls are answered by a nurse who can answer sexual health related questions, including questions about STIs, pregnancy and pregnancy testing, contraception, sexual and gender diversity and identity, and puberty. | No | 1300 883 793 1800 188 171 (country callers, toll-free) Mon – Fri: 9 am – 12:30 pm |
| Yarrow Place | Provides crisis response, professional counselling and information about support groups and the collection of forensic evidence for people aged 16 years or over who have been sexually assaulted in South Australia. | Yes | 1800 817 421 Available 24/7 but appointments are required before attending service |
Tasmania
| Helpline/Counselling service | Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol and Drug Information Service (Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania) | Non-judgemental telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone seeking help for their own or another person’s alcohol or drug use. Online counselling is also available. | Yes | 1800 811 994 1300 368 186 (for families and friends) |
| Access Mental Health | A mental health support, triage, and referral phone line provided by the Tasmanian Government to support the Tasmanian community and make it easier to access the Tasmanian mental health system. | Yes | 1800 332 388 |
| Legal Aid, Tasmania | Free legal information from Tasmanian Legal Aid. A Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS) line is also available. | No | 1300 366 611 Mon – Fri: 8:45 am – 5 pm FASS line: 1800 431 157 |
| Laurel House Launceston | Provides therapeutic counselling, support and information for adults and children in the North and North West of Tasmania who have been sexually assaulted. | Yes* | (03) 6334 2740 (North: Launceston) Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm (03) 6431 9711 (North West: Burnie & Devonport) Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm After hours number: |
| Parent Line | Provides health information and advice to parents from health professionals. | Yes | 1300 808 178 |
| Rural Alive & Well (RAW) | Provides a ‘non-clinical’, non-intrusive and confidential service to enable proactive steps towards stronger mental health and wellbeing. This program is available for those working within Tasmania's primary industry sectors or living in rural and remote locations, and anyone worried about someone in this sector. | No | 1800 729 827 Mon – Sun: 6 am – 8 pm |
| Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) – Southern Tasmania | Provides crisis phone support and counselling services to people in Southern Tasmania who have been sexually abused at any time of their lives. Support is also available to family, friends and professionals who are supporting a person who has experienced sexual assault. Counselling and crisis support are available only for those in Southern Tasmania. | Yes* | 1800 697 877 *For non-urgent inquiries (Mon-Fri: 9 am – 5 pm) (03) 6231 0044 |
| The Link (Youth Health Services) | Provides safe and confidential support for young people, including practical assistance, information, advocacy and referrals in relation to health and other issues. | No | 03 6231 2927 Tues: 11 am – 5 pm Mon, Wed – Fri: 9:30 am – 5 pm Closed every day 12 pm – 12:30 pm |
| Tresillian Parent’s Help Line | Qualified child and family health nurses provide advice for parents on child sleep, feeding and development (for children aged up to 5 years). Also provide information of Tresillian services. | No | 1300 827 282 Mon – Sun: 7 am – 11 pm |
Victoria
| Helpline/Counselling service | Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1800 My Options | Provides information and referrals for sexual and reproductive health, specifically contraception, unplanned pregnancy, abortion, and sexual health care. | No | 1800 696 784 NRS: 1300 555 727 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm (excluding public holidays) |
| Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria | Provides support, information and referral to people with anxiety disorders, their families and carers, and mental health care providers. | No | 1300 269 438 03 9830 0533
Mon – Fri: 10 am – 7 pm
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| Association for Children with a Disability (ACD) | Provides free support for parents and families of children with any type of disability, to help understand and advocate for their child’s rights and needs. Also available for professionals who work with children and their families. | No | 03 9880 7000 1800 654 013 (regional)
Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
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| Carers Victoria Advisory Line | Provides information, support and referrals to caring families in Victoria. | No | 1800 514 845 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm (excluding public holidays) |
| Council of Single Mothers and their Children | Provides specialist support services for single mother families in Victoria. Staffed by professional workers with lived experience of being a single mother. | No | (03) 9654 0622 (Melbourne metro) 1300 552 511 (Outside Melbourne) |
| Djirra Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service | Provides telephone and face-to-face legal and non-legal support to Aboriginal people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence. | No | 1800 105 303 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm |
| DirectLine | Provides free and confidential counselling, information and referral for alcohol and drug-related matters. Online chat service is also available. | Yes | 1800 888 236 |
| Family Drug and Gambling Help Line (from the Self Help Addition Resource Centre) | A confidential telephone support service staffed by volunteers with experience of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and gambling issues within the family. | Yes | 1300 660 068 |
| Gambler’s Help | Provides support to people with gambling problems, family and friends close to them, and those just wanting to cut back or regain control. Peer support available. | Yes | 1800 858 858 1800 262 376 (Youth service)
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| Homelessness Statewide After-Hours Service | Service for those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or escaping family violence and are in urgent need of somewhere to stay. The number will direct the caller to the closest service. If the call is outside business hours, it will be directed to Salvation Army Crisis Services. | Yes* | 1800 825 955 or 1800 627 727 or (03) 9536 7777 Mon – Fri: 5 pm – 9 am *Available 24 hours on weekends and public holidays |
| inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence | For women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who are victims/survivors of domestic violence. Interpreter services are available. | No | 1800 755 988 or Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm |
| Legal Help (Victorian Legal Aid) | Free legal advice from Victorian Legal Aid. Online ‘Legal Help Chat’ is also available. | 1300 792 387 Mon – Fri: 8 am – 6 pm Speak to us | Victoria Legal Aid
| |
| Maternal and Child Health Line | Available to Victorian families with children from birth to school age. Provides information, support and guidance regarding child health, nutrition, breast-feeding, maternal and family health and parenting. | Yes | 13 22 29 |
| Rainbow Door | Provides advice, support and referrals to all LGBTIQ+ people in Victoria, their friends, family and peers. SMS support is also available, with texts returned during operating hours. | No | 1800 729 367 0408 017 246 (SMS support)
Mon – Sun: 10 am – 5 pm
|
| Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre | Provides crisis telephone support, information and referral to safe accommodation (refuge) for women experiencing violence and abuse in their relationships. Web chat service is also available. | Yes | 1800 015 188 or Safe Steps Family Violence Response
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| Sexual Assault Crisis Line | An after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling and information support service for victim/survivors of both past and recent sexual assault. | Yes | 1800 806 292 1800 577 011 (for experiences of sexual assault in the past 2 weeks) (03) 8345 3494 (police/emergency service providers – after hours only) Mon – Sun: 5 pm – 9 am 24 hours on weekends and public holidays. During business hours callers will be directed to their local Centre Against Sexual Assault.
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| SuicideLine | For people who are feeling suicidal or who are concerned about another person who may be suicidal. Also for people who are grieving or emotionally affected after a suicide. Online chat and video chat services are also available. | Yes | 1300 651 251 |
| Wire Women’s Support Line | Provides support, information and referrals to women, non-binary and gender diverse people on any issues, such as: family relationships and legal issues; domestic/family violence; housing and homelessness; emotional wellbeing; mental health – anxiety, fear, stress and depression; and job search, study options and community volunteering. Zoom and live web chat support available too. | No | 1300 134 130 Mon – Thurs: 9 am – 7 pm Fri: 9 am – 5 pm |
| Yarning Safe ‘N’ Strong | A free and confidential counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples provided by the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. It is available to people and families who need to have a yarn with someone about their wellbeing. | Yes | 1800 959 563 |
| YoDAA—Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice Service | Provides information, counselling and referrals for young people, families, youth workers and school staff affected by drug and alcohol use. | Yes | 1800 458 685 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm |
Western Australia
| Helpline/Counselling service | Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol and Drug Support service | Provides an information and counselling service including referral and support lines for people seeking help for their own or another person’s alcohol or drug use. Contact with support lines is one-to-one with a professional counsellor and is confidential. | Yes | Alcohol and drug support line 1800 198 024 (Country) Parent and family drug support line 1800 653 203 (Country) |
| CAMHS Crisis Connect | Provides phone and online videocall support for children and young people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as support and advice to families, carers and professionals in the community. | Yes | 1800 048 636 |
| Crisis Care Helpline | Provides after-hours response to reported concerns for a child's safety and wellbeing and information and referrals for people experiencing crisis. | Yes | Free call 1800 199 008 |
| Here for You. Mental health, alcohol and drug support | A confidential, non-judgemental service for anyone in WA who is concerned about their own or another person’s alcohol and other drug use and/or mental health. The helpline is serviced by qualified counsellors and professional peer practitioners, who have a lived experience of recovery. | No | 1800 437 348
Mon – Sun: 7 am – 10 pm
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| Legal Aid, Western Australia | Free legal information from Legal Aid, WA. *First Nations callers can call Legal Yarn to access a culturally safe telephone information service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People; staffed by mob, for mob. | No | 1300 650 579 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 4 pm (excluding public holidays) *Legal Yarn: 1800 319 803 Mon – Fri: 9 am – 4 pm (excluding public holidays) |
| Men's Domestic Violence Helpline | Offers information, referral and telephone counselling for men who are concerned about their violent and abusive behaviours and male victims of family and domestic violence. . | Yes | 1800 000 599 Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline | Western Australian Government |
| Ngala Parenting Line | Offers phone advice and support about parenting issues and concerns to parents and carers of children up to 18 years. This is a free callback service. | No | 1800 111 546 (regional from a landline) (08) 9368 9368 (metro and mobile) Mon – Sun: 8 am – 8 pm |
| Rurallink | An after-hours telephone support service for people in rural and regional Western Australia experiencing a mental health crisis. | Yes* | 1800 552 002 Mon – Fri: 4:30 pm – 8:30 am *Available 24 hours on weekends and public holidays |
| Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) | An emergency service that offers assistance and support for people of all sexualities and gender identities aged 13 years and over who have experienced any form of unwanted sexual contact or behaviour in the last two weeks. A free counselling service is also available to people who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse in the past (more than two weeks ago). | Yes* | 1800 199 888 or Sexual Assault Resource Centre *For those who have experienced sexual assault/ abuse more than 2 weeks ago- Mon – Sun: 8:30 am-11 pm |
| The Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence | Crisis and short-term counselling services are available for women and children affected by family violence. Parenting information is also provided. | No | (08) 9300 0340 |
| Women's Domestic Violence Helpline | Provides support for women experiencing family and domestic violence, including counselling, information, advice, referrals, support with police and safety planning | Yes | 1800 007 339 |
Assisted call services
| Service | Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Interpreter Service (NT) | Telephone interpreter service for people in the Northern Territory, covering almost 100 Indigenous Languages. *Charges incurred for service.
| Yes* | 1800 334 944 Mon – Fri: 8 am – 4:20 pm for bookings Availability of interpreters varies based on languages required. The service requests that bookings are made two days in advance (except in emergencies). Book an Aboriginal interpreter | NT.GOV.AU *After hours interpreting services are for urgent matters only. |
| National Relay Service | Assistance for making a relay call, for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. | Yes* | NRS Chat Users: National Relay Service (nrscall.gov.au) NRS Captions Users: National Relay Service (nrscall.gov.au) Voice Relay: Standard and overseas calls: 1300 555 727 1800 calls: 1800 555 727 Emergency calls: 1800 555 727 and ask for Triple Zero (000) TTY users: Standard calls:133 677 1800 calls: 1800 555 677 Emergency calls: 106 SMS Relay Users: 0423 677 767 Video Relay Users: Open Microsoft Teams and contact NRS VIDEO RELAY SERVicE Helpdesk: Phone: 1800 555 660 SMS: 0416 001 350 *Helpdesk service operates Mon – Fri: 8 am – 6 pm (AEST). You can leave a message outside of these hours and a Helpdesk staff member will get back to you within four hours of reopening. |
| Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) | Immediate telephone interpreting service with an extensive list of languages available. | Yes | 13 14 50 |
If you wish to make a suggestion for the addition of a helpline, telephone or online counselling service, or if you find the information provided is no longer correct, please email [email protected].