Useful Links
Mental Health
Lifeline
Provides 24 hour anonymous and confidential counselling, support and referral service for crises and personal emergencies (all ages) Phone: 13 11 14
Kids Help Line
Free confidential 24 hour telephone counselling (Phone: 1800 55 1800) services for 5 to 25-year-olds in Australia. They also provide email counselling and online chat between 3pm and 9pm AEST, Monday to Friday and 10am and 4pm AEST, Saturday
Sane
SANE Australia's website contains fact sheets about a wide range of mental illnesses and also has an online helpline, where you can send in your questions about mental illnesses and their treatments
Youth Beyondblue
Information, fact sheets, resources and young people's stories on depression and anxiety
Suicide Call Back Service
Free nationwide service providing short-term counselling, support and information to people (over 18) at risk of suicide, those concerned about another’s suicidal behaviour and those bereaved by suicide. Phone: 1300 659 467 (7 days per week, 10am-8.30pm AEST)
Living Is For Everyone (LIFE)
The National Suicide Prevention Strategy is guided by the Living Is For Everyone (LIFE) Framework which sets out the national priorities for suicide and self-harm prevention
Eating Disorders Foundation Vic
Provides confidential information, support and referral services. Phone: Metro -Vic: (03) 9885 0318 and Non-metro: (Australia wide) 1300 550 236 (Mon-Fri 9.30am to 5pm AEST)
Beyondblue
Information about depression, anxiety and related substance use problems, online self-test to see if you have depression, personal stories, a bulletin board and fact sheets
Its All Right
Facts and stories about a range of mental health issues
Reach Out
Web based factsheets and information on mental health, getting help and more
Mood Gym
Online web based training to assist in the development of coping skills to help prevent depression
DepressioNet
depressioNet provides information, help and support offering a 24 hour email service to answer any depression related questions and help locate resources available in your area. They also have chat room and message board facilities
Headroom
Aims to inform young people, their caregivers and service providers about positive mental health. The Headroom website provides information for: Young people aged 12 -18 in the Lounge, young people aged 6-12 years in the Cubby House, parents and friends in the Family Room, service providers and professionals in the Kitchen
Changing minds
Promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in a fun, interactive and informative way, targeted to the Australian community at large
Multicultural Mental Health Australia
A range of mental health information for different cultures
ANRED
Comprehensive information, stories, definitions and more in relation to anorexia nervosa and related eating disorders
The Butterfly Foundation
Provides support for Australians who suffer from eating disorders
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia
MIFA represents people affected by severe mental illness and provide accurate, current information that is useful for consumers, carers, clinicians and the general public
Bullying. No Way!
Created by Australian (State, Territory, and Federal) Departments of Education and Catholic and independent education sectors, plus students, staff, parents, agencies, education officers and community members from schools around the country who are working together to create learning environments where every student and school community member is safe, supported, respected, valued — and free from bullying, violence, harassment and discrimination
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is the initial help given to someone experiencing a mental health problem before professional help is sought this website has basic first aid strategies and information on further courses
Alcohol and other Drugs
Somazone
This website focuses on health and lifestyle issues such as mental health, drug use, relationships and body image, with fact sheets, personal stories and advice on where to get help.
Australian Drug Foundation
Comprehensive information relating to alcohol and other drugs, including their affects, treatments and risks associated with different drugs.
DrugInfo Clearing House
Drug Info functions as a drug prevention network, providing easy access to information about alcohol and other drugs, and drug prevention.
CounsellingOnline
Free alcohol and drug counselling online 24 hours a day 7 days a week providing support for alcohol and other drug users, others affected by alcohol and drug use in the community, including family members, relatives and friends.
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre
NCPIC provides evidence based information and resources on cannabis. They also have a helpline (phone 1800 30 40 50) dedicated to providing advice and information for cannabis users and friends and family who are concerned about cannabis use by those close to them.
Sexual Health and Relationship
Your Sex Health
Provides youth-friendly info about reproductive and sexual health, including expert information on emotional, practical and relationship issues. It explores real-life dilemmas in True Stories.
Sextxt.org
Provides accurate information and advice for Australian youth on sex, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception, sexual health services and more. Also offer a SMS service: 19 SEXTXT
Likeitis
likeitis gives young people access to information about all aspects of sex education and teenage life. Topics include teenage pregnancy, help and advice, periods, lovebugs (sexually transmitted infections), sex, peer pressure, sexuality, contraception, emergency contraception and puberty.
Sexual Health & Family Planning Australia
Sexual Health & Family Planning Australia's site has links to State family planning organisations.
When love Hurts
A website for young people on relationships, respect and abuse. Take the respect checklist, the relationship quiz, read true stories and more.
Australia Says No
Anyone experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault can call the 24 hour Confidential Helpline on 1800 200 526 to have a discussion with an experienced counsellor.
Relationships Australia
Relationships Australia is an Australian community-based, not-for-profit organisation which provides relationship support to people of all ages. They can provide counselling through their Family Relationship Centres, run courses about relationships, and have an informative website.
School / Vocational
MindMatters
A resource and professional development program to support Australian secondary schools in promoting and protecting the social and emotional wellbeing of young people in schools.
KidsMatters
A primary school mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative to improve the mental health and wellbeing of primary school students and reduce mental health problems among students.
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
DEEWR develop and implement policies relating to education, science and training.
Family
Sibs
A website for people who have a brother or sister with a disability or chronic illness. Includes forums, stories and information.
Bursting the Bubble
This website helps you to work out what's okay in a family and what's not and provides practical advice on what you can do if someone in your family is hurting or abusing you or another member of your family.
Children Of Parents with a Mental Illness
If you have a parent with a mental illness and are looking for information or local supports, or maybe you are a parent with a mental illness and would like advice or support to assist yourself or the family, then check out the Children Of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI) website.
Association of Relatives & Friends of the Mentally Ill
ARAFMI provides support and advocacy for families and friends of people with mental illness or disorder. ARAFMI can help by offering support, education and advocacy.
Carers Australia
Represents the needs and interests of carers at the national level through advocacy, influencing stakeholder policies, networking and forming strategic partnerships. They also provide information and education resources.
Other
Australian and New Zealand Ombudsman Association
Ombudsman services are fair, free and independent and you have a right to complain.
Centrelink
This site has information on Youth Allowance (the payment for young people who need help while studying, training or looking for a job) and other financial assistance for young people
Lawstuff
A website with info about laws and legal rights for people under 18 years in Australia, such as moving out of home, buying a car, renting a house, having sex, and using alcohol and other drugs