Care Opinion is an independent online feedback service. We are not a service provider and are not able to offer any help, advice or support with health, aged or community care issues ourselves.
If you are concerned about your wellbeing or safety, or concerned about somebody else, you might be able to access support or guidance from another organisation. This page has a list of some organisations which may be able to help you.
Emergencies
Police: if you are in an emergency or require urgent medical assistance, please contact the police by phoning 000.
Emergency Department: If it is an emergency, you can present to your nearest hospital's emergency department for a mental health assessment.
Beyond Blue: is a free telephone and online counselling service is open 24/7 for everyone in Australia. No matter who you are, or how you're feeling, reach out to our free counselling services for support – we'll point you in the right direction so you can get the help you need. Phone 1300 224 636
Lifeline: is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. They exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. Phone 13 11 14.
Suicide Call Back Service: provides phone and online counselling for anyone who is struggling with situations in their life, from feeling low or stressed to the more complex issues of suicidal thoughts and grief arising from suicide. Phone 1300 659 467.
Health Concerns/Advice
HealthDirect: is a national, government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice. Call this number to speak to a registered nurse about your health concerns. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone: 1800 022 222
(QLD only) 13 Health: is a confidential phone service that provides health advice to Queenslanders. You can phone and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call.
Mental Health Support Services
13YARN: provides crisis support 24/7 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to yarn with you without judgement and provide a culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns. A crisis support service for. Phone 13 92 76.
MensLine Australia: offers free professional support 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationship, stress and wellbeing. Phone 1300 78 99 78./p>
SANE: a free counselling service that supports people affected by complex mental health issues. They also talk to friends, family members and health professionals about their concerns. Phone 1800 187 263.
Mindspot Indigenous Wellbeing Course: helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 18+ years learn to manage mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of depression and anxiety with core skills that will improve confidence and quality of life. Phone 1800 614 434.
Head to Health: is a Federal Government platform that provides a directory of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. Head to Health brings together apps, online programs, online forums, and phone services, as well as a range of digital information resources. Visit their website to talk to a mental health professional and be connected with the support that best meets your needs. Phone 1800 595 212.
Mental Health Crisis Numbers by state:
ACT: Mental Health Triage Service, 24 hours, 7 days, 1800 629 354 or 02 6205 1065
NSW: Ring nearest hospital or the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511
NT: Northern Territory Mental Health Services on 1800 682 288
QLD: MH CALL Triage Service, 24 hours, 7 days, 1300 642 255
SA: Crisis Team 13 14 65
TAS: Mental Health Services Helpline, 24 hours, 7 days, 1800 332 388
VIC: Suicide Helpline Victoria 1300 651 251 or ring nearest hospital for closest crisis team
WA: 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.
Carer Support
If you care for someone, there are payments and services available to support you and the person you care for. The Federal Government provides details of support services for carers on its website Services Australia.
Disability Support
The Disability Gateway is a free Australia-wide service to help people with disability, their families and carers find trusted information and services. To find out more information on how this service can support you, visit Disability Gateway.
LGBTIQ+ Support
Q Life: the QLife family includes hundreds of highly experienced staff and volunteers Australia-wide. If you're looking to connect with someone to explore what's going on in your life, they're here to chat and to take your call from 3pm-midnight each day. They also welcome contact from people who may not be LGBTIQ+ but who want to talk about someone else they care about. Phone 1800 184 527.
Support for Children
Kids Helpline: a free (even from a mobile phone) confidential, 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Phone 800 55 1800.
National Centre for Childhood Grief: is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to caring for bereaved children and their families following the death of a parent, sibling or other close loved one. The NCCG provides a place of safety, nurturing and understanding. Their professional individual and group counselling programs help bereaved children and their families learn to live with their grief, build their coping skills and resilience and empower them to live their best life.
Support for Older Persons
OPAN: provide free, independent and confidential support to older people receiving government-funded aged care. Their national team of advocates is available Monday to Friday 8am–8pm and Saturday 10am-4pm. Phone: 1800 700 600
My Aged Care: We provide the information and support you need to understand, access and navigate the aged care system. You can access My Aged Care online, on the phone or in person. You can call the My Aged Care Contact Centre Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm. Saturdays: 10am to 2pm. They are closed on Sundays and national public holidays. Phone: 1800 200 422