If a life is at risk
Crisis numbers and helplines
If you are in an emergency, in danger or you or someone close to you requires immediate help, call triple zero (000) for emergency services. Or access the following helplines offering support across
Support
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
A 24 hour, 7 days a week telephone and online crisis support and suicide prevention service. Support via text is available from 6pm to midnight by texting 0477 13 11 14. Or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/. - Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
A 24 hour, 7 days a week free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Or visit https://kidshelpline.com.au/. - Headspace – 1800 650 890
Free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time. - Seniors Rights Victoria Helpline – 1300 368 821
The helpline is open from 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday. If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, call for support and assistance. Or visit https://seniorsrights.org.au/. - Mensline Australia – 1300 78 99 78
A 24 hour, 7 days a week telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns or visit their website. Or visit https://mensline.org.au/ - After Hours Child Protection – 13 12 78
Telephone support from 5pm to 9am Monday to Friday and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays for children and young people whose safety is at risk. Or visit https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/reporting-child-abuse to find the Child Protection phone number in your area.
Family Violence
- Safe Steps – 1800 015 188
A 24 hour, 7 days a week crisis response phone line for people experiencing family violence. If you don’t feel safe to call email safesteps@safesteps.org.au. Or visit https://www.safesteps.org.au/. - 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
A 24 hour, 7 days a week, confidential information, counselling and support service for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Or visit https://www.1800respect.org.au. - Men’s Referral Helpline – 1300 766 491
A men’s family violence telephone counselling, information and referral service. Contact point for men taking responsibility for their violent behaviour. The service operates Mon to Fri from 8am to 9pm and weekends from 9am to 6pm. Or visit https://www.ntv.org.au/. - Victims of Crime Helpline – 1800 819 817
For adult male victims of family violence and victims of violent crime call or text 0427 767 891. Operates 8am to 11pm every day. Or visit https://www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/ - With Respect (1800 LGBTIQ) – 1800 542 847
A specialist LGBTIQ family violence service. Or visit www.withrespect.org.au.
Mental Health
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
A 24 hour, 7 days a week depression and anxiety support service. All calls and online chats are one-on-one with a trained mental health professional, and completely confidential. Or visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support. - SANE Australia – 1800 18 72 63
Support for people living with complex mental health issues and the people who care about them. Qualified counsellors who will provide brief phone and online counselling, support, information and referrals. The service is open Mon to Fri from 10am – 10pm. Or visit https://www.sane.org/. - Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
A 24/7 suicide call back and online counselling service for people having suicidal thoughts, family or friends affected by suicide and healthcare professionals treating suicidal people who are affected by suicide. Or visit https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/.
Financial assistance
- National Debt Helpline – 1800 007 007
This service helps people tackle their debt problems. Professional financial counsellors offer free, independent and confidential services. The service operates Mon to Fri from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Or visit https://ndh.org.au/about-national-debt-helpline/.
Disability Support
- National Disability Support Scheme – 1800 800 110
People can call and press 5 if they need to talk to a planner, make changes to existing plans or are having trouble getting services due to coronavirus (COVID-19) - National Counselling and Referral Services – 1800 421 468
Free and independent counselling and advocacy support for people engaging with or affected by the Disability Royal Commission. Mon-Fri 9am – 6pm and Sat & Sun 9am -5pm.
Other Supports
- Blue Knot Helpline – 1300 657 380
If you have experienced childhood trauma, you can speak with a Blue Knot Helpline trauma counsellor including for support and applications around national redress. Monday – Sunday 9am – 5pm. Or visit https://www.blueknot.org.au/. - Maternal and Child Health Line – 13 22 29
24 hour, 7 days a week advice and support service for families with children from birth to school age. All calls are taken by a Maternal and Child Health Nurse.