Useful Links
Useful Links:
Are you looking for organisations, health care providers, or local sport clubs for all of your ASD needs? Then you have come to the right place!
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Community Organisations
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Education
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Dental Care
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Disability Organisations
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Health Care
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Mental Health
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Occupational Therapy
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Paediatric Services
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Sports & Rec
Association for Children with Disability
For over 40 years ACD has been supporting children with disability and their families across Victoria. Their vision is for children with disability and their families to have the same rights and opportunities as other children and families. They are a not-for-profit organisation led by and for families of children with disability.
Phone: 03 9880 7000
Email: mail@acd.org.au
Camp Quality gives kids facing cancer the chance to be kids again…
Camp Quality’s services and programs are created specifically to support children aged up to 15 years, who are dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, or the diagnosis of someone they love, like a brother, sister, mum, dad or carer.
Camp Quality provides kids, their siblings and parents, with fun experiences, education, specialised cancer care, counselling and a supportive community; in-hospital, online, at school and away from it all on camps and at our retreats.
Phone: 02 9876 0500
Email: reception@campquality.org.au
Canteen supports 12-25 year-olds dealing with their own diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer or the death of a loved one. Their services also now extend to parents, because when they cope better with cancer and communicate openly, their children are likely to experience less distress and anxiety.
Phone: 1800 226 833
Carer Gateway is for anyone who is an unpaid carer. You may be a carer if you are looking after someone with disability, mental illness, a medical condition (including a terminal or chronic illness) or someone who is frail because they are aged.
Carers can be any age. Carers can provide any sort of care – some carers look after another person 24 hours a day and help with daily living, while other carers look after people who are fairly independent but who sometimes need help.
Phone: 1800 422 737
Caring for someone at the end of their life is a very important role. People who do this help the person they care for and that person’s family and friends. They also help the community by reducing the pressure on our health care system. Carers are vital members of the Australian community and we are so thankful for what they do.
Caring for someone who is dying can be very difficult. Often, people are caring for someone who is very close to them. This makes the end of life very emotional, which can be hard to cope with. Relationships can change significantly, and the caring role can become much more intense at this end of the caring journey.
Email: carerhelp@flinders.edu.au
Carers ACT is a not-for-profit organisation and the peak body for carers in the ACT. Their purpose is to support, connect and empower carers to maintain their caring role and personal wellbeing.
Phone: 02 6296 9900
Email: carers@carersact.org.au
Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers, advocating on their behalf to influence policies and services at a national level.
Carers Australia advocates and lobbies on a wide range of issues that affect carers. They also manage the delivery of national programs, support and services for carers across Australia.
They work in collaboration with carers, Carers Associations, government and peak bodies to develop policy, advocacy, programs and events to improve the lives of Australia’s 2.7 million carers.
Phone: (02) 6122 9900
Email: caa@carersaustralia.com.au
Carers NSW is the peak non-government organisation for carers in NSW, part of the National Carer Network and a member of Carers Australia. Carers NSW works with the other state and territory Carer Associations. Our focus is on improving the lives of carers.
Carers NSW works with all carers regardless of their age, location, life-stage or circumstances. This includes those caring for individuals with support needs relating to ageing, disability, health and mental illness.
Phone: 02 9280 4744
Email: contact@carersnsw.org.au
Carers NT is a not-for-profit community-based organisation dedicated to improving the lives of family carers living in the Northern Territory. Part of the National Carers Association, Carers NT is the peak body recognised, at Territory, State and Federal levels, as the voice of family carers, representing carers' interests in the NT community.
Carers NT support Carers, people who provide unpaid personal care, support and assistance to another individual in need of support due to disability, medical condition, including terminal or chronic illness, mental illness or is frail and aged.
Phone: (08) 8944 4888
Email: carersnt@carersnt.asn.au
With 1 in every 11 Australians caring for a family member or friend, Carers Queensland is committed to providing specialised carer and disability support services. For more than 30 years, Carers Queensland has been working to advocate for equal rights, opportunities, and enhanced outcomes for families.
They work within and value our local community, responding to unmet need with care and respect, assisting those who are disconnected through high-quality personalised support. Their objective is to ensure you achieve your goals, enhance your relationships, and can move forward with a life based on your own decisions and choices.
Phone: 1300 747 636
Email: info@carersqld.com.au
Carers SA provides support to unpaid family carers across South Australia. From April 2020, under the Government’s new carer support model, Carers SA will be the main provider of services for South Australia’s 250,000 unpaid carers.
With 30 years of experience, Carers SA provides unpaid carers with a range of support services including carer support planning, emergency respite, peer support and coaching, in-person counselling and tailored financial packages.
Phone: 1800 422 737
Email: info@carerssa.com.au
Carers Tasmania’s vision is for an Australia that values and supports carers. Their mission is to work to improve the health, well being, resilience and financial security of carers and to ensure that caring is a shared responsibility of family, community and the government.
They are the voice of carers, so that their contribution to the Tasmanian community and economy is recognised. Carers Tasmania encourages partnership with government and the health and community sectors to enhance service provision and improve the conditions for family carers through policy development, research and advocacy.
Phone: 03 6144 3700
Email: intake@carerstasmania.org
Carers Victoria is the statewide voice for family carers, representing and providing support to carers in Victoria. They work to ensure that caring is a shared responsibility of family, community and government. They want to support carers better and want to make carers' lives better.
Carers Victoria is recognised and funded as the leading body for carers and caring families in Victoria.
They work collaboratively with Carers Australia and the other State and Territory based Carer Associations to represent and advocate and provide carer services on behalf of carers throughout Australia.
Phone: 1800 514 845
Email: reception@carersvictoria.org.au
Carers WA is the peak body that represents the needs and interests of carers in Western Australia. They work to achieve an improved quality of life for family carers in their state.
Carers WA is a non-profit, community based organisation and registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of the estimated 230,000 family carers living in Western Australia. Part of the National Network of Carers Associations, they are the peak body recognised by both State and Federal governments as the voice of family carers.
Carers WA represents carers interests in the Western Australian community. Their role is to work in active partnership with carers, persons with care and support needs, health professionals, service providers, government and the wider community to achieve an improved quality of life for carers.
Phone: 1300 227 377
Email: info@carerswa.asn.au
QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
QLife services are free and include both telephone and webchat support, delivered by trained LGBTI community members across the country. Their services are for LGBTI individuals, their friends and families, and health professionals in Australia. Beyond the telephone, QLife offers webchat for people who prefer online interactions or for whom the phone is impractical.
Holding it together when your child’s life is in question can feel impossible. Redkite provides the practical, emotional and financial support for families who have a child with cancer aged 18 or under, so you don’t have to face it alone.
Phone: 1800 592 410
Email: info@redkite.org.au
Scope was founded 70 years ago by families who wanted better support for their children. Today, they’re one of the largest not-for-profit disability service providers in Australia, supporting thousands of people with complex intellectual, physical and multiple disabilities. Their great team of people includes specialists in communication and positive behaviour support, dedicated to working in partnership with you.
With their range of services, from therapy to accommodation support, communication support and more, they help turn people’s hopes and dreams into reality. Scope’s been active in research for more than 30 years and this helps them deliver the positive outcomes.
Phone: 1300 4 72673
Email: contact@scopeaust.org.au
Siblings Australia is a unique national organisation promoting better support for siblings of children and adults with disability. They recognise that siblings are often overlooked, which can lead to feelings of isolation. If this is not addressed, children (and later, adults) become vulnerable to a range of emotional and mental health problems. However, if siblings are acknowledged and connected to support, the sibling and in turn their family are likely to experience better outcomes.
Phone: (08) 8253 4937
Email: info@siblingsaustralia.org.au
The BRAVE Program is an interactive, online program for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety. The programs are free, and provide ways for children and teenagers to better cope with their worries. There are also programs for parents.
Email: brave4you@psy.uq.edu.au
TINO is your one-stop shop for information on a wide range of topics for navigating life’s challenges, from mental health, relationships, exam stress to sexual health and more.
Each topic page features videos, stories, music playlists and factsheets created by services and young people from across Australia brought together in one central location. You can even submit your own story and playlist for other young people to check out.
To explore TINO, just select a topic you would like info on, and then explore all that page has to offer. You might watch a few videos, check out some factsheets, browse the stories by other young people and even select some tunes to listen to.
Email: crew@tuneinnotout.com
Yellow Ladybugs is a non-government organisation with strong bridges to the community. They are dedicated to the happiness, success and celebration of autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals. They believe all autistic individuals deserve to be recognised, valued, accepted and supported in order to realise their full potential. They are committed to shining a positive light on autism through the creation of positive and inclusive experiences for their members.
Email: info@yellowladybugs.com.au
Yooralla support people with disability of all ages and needs in their homes and the community with quality services. Established in 1918, they are one of Victoria's largest and oldest not-for-profit disability service providers.
Their broad range of services including long and short term accommodation alternatives, in-home support, therapy, attendant care, assistive technologies, employment, education, recreation, training and practical skills for daily living.
Phone: 03 9666 4500
Email: yooralla@yooralla.com.au
Autistic-led programs for young people and organisations. The I CAN Network is Australia’s largest provider of Autistic-led group mentoring programs, training and consultancy. They have a 50% difference: half of our staff are Autistic. Their school and online mentoring programs empower 8-22-year-old young people with an ‘I CAN’ attitude.
Phone: 0432 405 384
Email: hello@icannetwork.com.au
Western Special Needs Dentistry
Western Special Needs Dentistry is accessible for people with special needs, with plenty of space for patients to be treated in their wheelchairs, if required. Their informative, caring and friendly specialist staff have a calm, gentle and positive approach to delivering individualised oral health services. Their aim is to build long term relationships with patients. They welcome the involvement of family and carers in developing comprehensive, personalised treatment strategies, including day surgery treatment at Wyndham Clinic where required. They also provide home visits - contact us to find out more including eligibility requirements.
Phone: 1300 818 179
Email: care@wsnd.com.au
ADHD Australia was established from a need to stand up for, and support, people impacted by ADHD in order to optimise positive outcomes for those individuals, their families and the community at large.
ADHD Australia is a registered national, independent, non-profit organisation which is committed to removing barriers to well being for those living with ADHD. Among the key guiding principles of our founding directors was to be independent of all existing ADHD bodies, working closely with them to complement their existing efforts.
Email: info@adhdaustralia.org.au
The ADHD Foundation is a national “for purpose” not for profit organisation, registered as a charity with the ACNC and DGR approved by the Australian Taxation office. They are a wholly volunteer run organisation and are proud of the work that their passionate, determined and tireless team contribute in working towards creating projects that support the ADHD Community in Australia. Their aim is to support and work collectively and collaboratively with all those on this journey to change.
Phone: 1300 39 39 19
Email: support@adhdfoundation.org.au
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (“A&AA”) is a registered charity and Australia’s only national support organisation, dedicated to helping individuals and carers alike in managing allergy and the risk of anaphylaxis.
Phone: 1300 728 000
Email: coordinator@allergyfacts.org.au
Amaze is the peak body for autistic people and their supporters in Victoria. Amaze builds autism understanding in the community, influences policy change for autistic people and their families/supporters, and provides independent, credible information and resources to individuals, families, professionals, government and the wider community.
Phone: 1300 308 699
Email: info@amaze.org.au
Nearly 1 in 6 Australians – that’s 3.9 million people – has arthritis. Arthritis Australia is a charitable not-for-profit organisation, and is the peak arthritis body in Australia.
Phone: 1800 011 041
Email: info@arthritisaustralia.com.au
Asthma Australia is a for-purpose, consumer organisation with a history of improving the lives of people with asthma. They operate across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory to deliver evidence-based prevention and health strategies to more than half a million people each year. Asthma Australia works in partnership with the Asthma Foundations of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
They work with people with asthma, their family and friends, health professionals, researchers and governments. They find the best treatments and practices to make sure life with asthma is the best it can be. They believe the best way to improve the lives of people with the lifelong condition of asthma is through education and training.
Asthma Australia operates 1800 ASTHMA an information line that assists thousands of people every year. Their Asthma Assist information service guides people with asthma to manage their disease in the best way possible. And they educate the community, with thousands of school staff trained to know what to do when a child has an asthma flare-up or an asthma attack.
Phone: 1800 278 462
Email: info@asthma.org.au
Australian Dyslexia Association
The Australian Dyslexia Association is concerned with the well being, identification and treatment of those with dyslexia and related differences and challenges.
The ADA believes that all individuals with dyslexia or a related difference deserve the right to understand their learning difference and have access to evidence based instruction. The ADA supports and provides accredited training in evidence based instruction with the addition of a multisensory component. Direct, explicit and structured language instruction with a multisensory component can assist all students including those with dyslexia and related difficulties.
Email: dyslexia.association@gmail.com
Autism Association of Western Australia
Established in 1967, they are the largest specialist lifespan organisation in Australia providing services to people with Autism. The programs they develop are best-practice and based on leading international peer-reviewed research in the field of Autism.
Additionally, they maintain well established links both nationally and internationally, ensuring they stay up-to-date with advances in this ever-evolving field of research and practical experience.
Phone: (08) 9489 8900
Email: autismwa@autism.org.au
Queensland's most experienced provider of specialised education, therapy and support services for people on the autism spectrum. They are a registered provider of NDIS supports.
Phone: (07) 3273 0000
Email: css@autismqld.com.au
Autism SA is committed to providing innovative, evidence-based supports designed to improve life outcomes for people on the autism spectrum. All of our activities are designed to generate positive, person-centred outcomes for individuals, families, carers and others supporting our community.
In addition, they are committed to recognising our First Australians and their cultures through their Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). They also aim to identify and address barriers to access and inclusion via the development of our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP).
Autism SA is accredited and registered as a provider of autism support through a number of different national and state-based agencies and is a proud partner of the Australian Autism Alliance.
Phone: 1300 288 476
Email: admin@autismsa.org.au
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Understanding, engaging & celebrating the strengths, interests & aspirations of people on the autism spectrum. They are Australia’s largest service provider for people on the autism spectrum. Our specialised, evidence informed schools program is one of the largest in the world, with additional services that include information and advice, diagnostic assessments, behaviour support, parent and family support, and adult programs. They share evidence-informed autism practice and applied research nationwide.
Phone: 1800 277 328
Email: customerservice@autismspectrum.org.au
Autism Tasmania is the peak independent voice for the Tasmanian autism community. They are committed to improving the lives of adults and children on the autism spectrum, their families, and carers; and to improving community awareness, acceptance, and understanding of autism. They work closely with their members and the extended autism community to advocate for equity and fairness. They are a community-based, not-for-profit, incorporated association and registered charity.
Phone: (03) 6722 5000
Email: autism@autismtas.org.au
Bipolar Australia is the peak organisation representing everyone affected by bipolar disorder, including people with the condition, carers, friends and the dedicated professionals who help us all.
They aim to raise community awareness about bipolar disorder, provide broad-based education programs regarding the condition, promote a positive understanding of bipolar among health care professionals and service providers, and encourage the formation of bipolar support groups.
Phone: (02) 8819 6090
Email: info@bipolaraustralia.org.au
Butterfly Foundation is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them.
Butterfly changes lives by providing innovative, evidence-based support services, treatment and resources, delivering prevention and early intervention programs and advocating for the needs of our community.
Butterfly highlights the realities for those seeking treatment for recovery, and advocates for improved access to effective, affordable care. Throughout its work Butterfly also emphasises the critical importance of prevention and early intervention strategies in limiting the development of, and suffering from, negative body image and eating disorders.
Butterfly operates a National Helpline that includes support over the phone, via email and online, reaching 20,000 people each year. The Helpline is staffed by trained counsellors experienced in assisting with eating disorders and body image issues. We also provide a wide range of programs for service providers and recovery groups.
Phone: 1800 33 4673
Email: support@butterfly.org.au
Cerebral Palsy Alliance provides family-centred therapies, life skills programs, equipment and support for people and their families living with cerebral palsy and other neurological and physical disabilities.
At Cerebral Palsy Alliance their priority is to help babies, children, teenagers and adults living with neurological and physical disabilities lead the most comfortable, independent and inclusive lives possible. Their therapy teams work with individuals and families to maximise their participation in the community.
The Cerebral Palsy Alliance operates from 132 sites throughout metropolitan, regional and rural NSW and the ACT.
Phone: 1300 888 378
Email: ask@cerebralpalsy.org.au
Continence Foundation of Australia
The Continence Foundation of Australia is a not-for-profit organisation and the national peak body for incontinence prevention, management, education, awareness, information and advocacy. With representation in each state and territory, we provide information, support and resources for individuals, carers and professionals.
Phone: 03 8692 8400
Email: info@continence.org.au
COPMI – Children of Parents with a Mental Illness
COPMI promotes better mental health outcomes for children of parents with a mental illness.
Email: copmi@copmi.net.au
Diabetes Australia was established in 1984 and is the national body for people affected by all types of diabetes and those at risk. Through leadership, prevention, management and research, Diabetes Australia is committed to reducing the impact of diabetes. They work in partnership with diabetes health professionals and educators, researchers and healthcare providers to minimise the impact of diabetes on the Australian community.
Phone: 1800 637 700
Email: info@ndss.com.au
Down Syndrome Australia is made up of State and Territory associations providing support, information and resources to people with Down syndrome and their families across the country.
The associations have come together to represent and progress the needs, interests and aspirations of people with Down syndrome and those that support them.
Phone: 1300 344 954
Email: info@downsyndrome.org.au
EDV connects those in Victoria who are affected by eating disorders with the services, people and hope they need for recovery.
Phone: 1300 550 236
Email: edv@eatingdisorders.org.au
Emerge Australia is a national organisation providing education, advocacy, research and support services for people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Their work gives hope and help to more than 250,000 Australians living with ME/CFS.
Phone: 1800 865 321
Email: information@emerge.org.au
With over 250,000 people living with epilepsy in this country, Epilepsy Action Australia is leading the way in ensuring those affected have the skills and knowledge to live the very best life possible. They also strive to give parents, teachers, caregivers, support workers, doctors and nurses the confidence, resources and information they need to support their specific needs.
As the leading and oldest provider of epilepsy services nationwide, they focus on improving self-management skills, increasing wider public understanding of this devastating condition, and are at the forefront of partnering and funding research into interventions and treatments.
Phone: 1300 37 45 37
Email: epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au
For over 60 years, the Heart Foundation has been the trusted peak body working to improve heart disease prevention, detection, and support for all Australians.
Their mission is to reduce heart disease and improve the heart health and quality of life of all Australians through their work in Risk Reduction, Support, Care and Research.
Phone: 13 11 12
Email: contactus@heartfoundation.org.au
Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia
IDFA is a national not-for-profit and leading peak body offering education, advocacy and awareness for Australians living with a PID or SID. PID’s are caused by defects in immune function and are mostly genetic in origin. SID’s are caused as a result of external factors such as chemotherapy, autoimmune disease or other treatments. People living with immunodeficiencies are more susceptible to infection.
Phone: 1800 100 198
Email: info@idfa.org.au
The Leukaemia Foundation stands with Australia to help cure and conquer every blood cancer – with care. 110,000 people in Australia are living with the devastating impact of blood cancer and it’s one of the biggest causes of cancer death.
Phone: 1800 620 420
Email: info@leukaemia.org.au
MND Australia is the national voice for people living with MND. Together with their members, the State MND Associations, and thei research arm, MND Research Australia, they strive to improve the lives of everyone impacted by MND through investing in research, driving advocacy and advancing high-quality care.
Phone: 1800 777 175
Email: info@mndaustralia.org.au
Reflux Infants Support Association
Caring for a baby, toddler or older child who suffers from gastro-oesophageal reflux can be extremely stressful. Reflux Infants Support Association Inc (RISA) is here to help.
RISA Inc is a non profit community group that offers support to families of infants and children who suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux and its complications. It is run by reflux families for the benefit of reflux families, and has done so since 1982. They help families of children of all ages.
Email: info@reflux.org.au
SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young
SAY: Australia is a Melbourne-based national not-for-profit organisation and ACNC registered health promotion charity that supports, empowers, and educates young people who stutter aged 7-18 years and the world that surrounds them.
They offer FREE comprehensive and innovative educational arts programs that address the physical, social, and emotional impacts of stuttering. They build a community of acceptance, friendship, and encouragement where young people who stutter can develop the confidence and communication skills they need to thrive.
Phone: 0401723461
Email: rich@sayaustralia.org.au
The Stroke Foundation is a national charity that partners with the community to prevent, treat and beat stroke. They stand alongside stroke survivors and their families, healthcare professionals and researchers. They build community awareness and foster new thinking and innovative treatments. The support survivors on their journey to live the best possible life after a stroke.
Phone: 03 9670 1000
Email: admin@strokefoundation.org.au
Synapse - Australia's Brain Injury Organisation
Synapse provides a range of support services for people who have been impacted by brain injury and disability, and promotes quality of life, self-determination and choice through information, specialist support and targeted research activities.
Synapse mission is to ensure the rights of people impacted by brain injury, by connecting knowledge, policy, services and systems. They seek to focus both government and public support to realise funding for the development of specialist services nationally.
Phone: 1800 673 074
Email: info@synapse.org.au
Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia
TSAA is a non-profit, self-funded, registered charity run by volunteers — consisting of people with TS, their families, health and education professionals and other interested and concerned people.
The association disseminates educational materials in the fields of health care, education and welfare service, provides telephone counselling and operates support groups. They support parent advocacy and other services to help families cope with problems that may occur with TS. The association publishes a quarterly newsletter.
Phone: (02) 9382 3726
Vision Australia is a leading national provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia. They work in partnership with Australians who are blind or have low vision to help them achieve the possibilities they choose in life.
They support more than 25,500 people of all ages and life stages, and circumstances. They do this through 35 Vision Australia centres in Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia; and through outreach programs in the Northern Territory and Tasmania.
They are a not-for-profit organisation and a major participant and partner in the international blindness community.
Phone: 1300 84 74 66
Email: info@visionaustralia.org
Better Health Channel (BHC) website promotes health literacy and healthy living by providing health consumers with trusted, reliable and easy to understand information, quality assured by the Department of Health, Victoria.
The website content is developed by health experts across government and the health sector, and quality reviewed to provide users with confidence when making health decisions. It does not however replace care provided by medical practitioners and other qualified health professionals.
Email: betterhealthchannel@dhhs.vic.gov.au
The Disability Gateway will assist all people with disability, their families and carers to locate and access services across Australia.
The Disability Gateway is an Australian Government initiative and is for all people with disability, their families and carers.
Phone: 1800 643 787
Email:disabilitygateway@benevolent.org.au
Beyond Blue has been providing supports and services to people in Australia for 20 years. They are Australia’s most well-known and visited mental health organisation, focused on supporting people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.
Beyond Blue works with the community to improve mental health and prevent suicide, so that all people in Australia can achieve their best possible mental health.
They are the ‘Big Blue Door’ for many in the community: a safe and reliable place for millions of people to access information, advice and support, no matter where they are on the mental health continuum – whether they’re well and want to stay that way, unwell and need support, or in recovery and want to reconnect with others and give back.
Phone: 1300 22 4636 available 24/7
1 in 5 of us will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia that’s around 5 million people. And roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help.
As the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, their aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. They do this through ‘translational’ research. Integrating research studies, education programs, digital tools and apps, clinical services, and public resources to discover new solutions, foster connections and create real-world change.
Their partnerships with people with lived experience, federal, state and local governments, communities, schools, corporate Australia and others in the mental health sector enables them to drive evidence-informed change in mental health where it’s needed most.
Phone: (02) 9382 4530
Email: blackdog@blackdog.org.au
For over 20 years Emerging Minds has been dedicated to advancing the mental health and emotional wellbeing of Australian infants, children, adolescents and their families. The organisation now leads the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health, delivered in partnership with the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), the Australian National University (ANU), the Parenting Research Centre (PRC) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Emerging Minds develops mental health policy, services, interventions, training, programs and resources in response to the needs of professionals, children and their families. They partner with family members, national and international organisations to implement evidence-based practice into the Australian context. Their resources are freely available on their website.
Phone: 08 8367 0888
Email: info@emergingminds.com.au
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. They began in 2006, and ever since the’ve provided early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year-olds.
Each year, they help thousands of young people, and their family and friends, access vital support through our headspace services in over 140 communities across Australia, their online and phone counselling services, vocational services, and presence in schools.
They support young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug services, as well as work and study support. With a focus on early intervention, they work 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
Phone: (03) 9027 0100
Head to Health can help you find digital mental health services from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations.
Provided by the Australian Department of Health, Head to Health brings together apps, online programs, online forums, and phone services, as well as a range of digital information resources.
Whether you are trying to improve your own sense of wellbeing, looking for help with something that is bothering you, or helping someone you care about—Head to Health is a good place to start.
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Qualified counsellors at Kids Helpline are available via WebChat, phone or email anytime and for any reason.
Since 1991, Australia’s kids and young people have been turning to their professional, specialised counsellors, no matter who they are, where they live or what they want to talk about. Over this time, they have responded to over 8 million contacts. For some young people, connecting with Kids Helpline has been a life-saving experience, while for others it’s about practical help and emotional support at the critical moment they need someone to listen.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Email: admin@kidshelpline.com.au
Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service. We are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support.
As a thought leader in suicide prevention, Lifeline creates new knowledge, advocates for life saving supports and develops evidence-based programs to keep Australians safe
Phone: 13 11 14
Livewire Online is for young people aged 12-20 years living in Australia or New Zealand with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability, and their siblings, to connect, socialise, have fun and creatively express themselves. It’s a safe online community that is moderated by Chat Hosts who promote positive distraction and peer to peer connection.
A place where people just get it. When you’re a teenager living with illness or disability, people don’t always get what you’re going through – and it can be hard for siblings too. That’s why they’ve created Livewire: a community for young people like you, who are dealing with tricky stuff and can do with some extra support from crew who understand.
Livewire Chat Hosts are online from 12pm-12am weekdays and 9am-12pm weekends to support discussions, and encourage connection. There’s never any judgement so it’s a safe space for everyone.
Phone: 02 8425 5971
Email: livewire@starlight.org.au
Mental Health Online provides comprehensive and effective online services and programs free of charge. If you’re experiencing mental distress, our services can help you understand and address your needs through self-assessment, self-help and, if you choose, online professional support.
They are an initiative of Swinburne University’s National eTherapy Centre (NeTC) and funded by Australia’s Federal Department of Health.
Email: contactmho@swin.edu.au
Mind is one of the country's leading community-managed specialist mental health service providers with a range of residential, mobile outreach, centre based and online services. They have been supporting people living with the day-to-day impacts of mental illness, as well as their families, friends and carers for over 40 years.
They provide practical and motivational support that helps people to develop the skills they need to move on, thrive and improve the quality of their lives. This includes helping people with the things that make them feel strong and healthy, such as being in control of their life, being resilient and participating in their community. They also work with people to address poverty, housing, education and employment. It is an approach to mental health and wellbeing that is based on a foundation of human rights and looks at the whole person in the context of their daily life.
Phone: 1300 286 463
Email: communications@mindaustralia.org.au
MumSpace is Australia’s new one-stop website supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of pregnant women, new mums and their families. MumSpace is designed to connect you quickly with the level of support you need, from advice and support in the transition to parenthood, to effective online treatment programs for perinatal depression and anxiety. The resources on MumSpace will help you ‘step-up’ to whichever level of support suits you best.
MumSpace is also a resource for your healthcare professional. MumSpace is brought to you by the Perinatal Depression e-Consortium (PDeC), led by the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) in partnership with Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA), Monash University, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health and Queensland University of Technology. The online resources and apps available through MumSpace are evidence-based and have been evaluated by the PDeC partners in research studies conducted here in Australia.
Email: piri@austin.org.au
ReachOut is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia.
Their trusted self-help information, peer-support program and referral tools save lives by helping young people be well and stay well.
The information they offer parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers, too. They’ve been championing wider access to mental health support since they launched our online service more than 20 years ago. Everything they create is based on the latest evidence and is designed with experts, and young people or their parents. This is why their service is trusted, relevant and so easy to use. Accessed by more than 2 million people in Australia each year, ReachOut is a free service that’s available anytime and pretty much anywhere.
Phone: 02 8029 7777
Email: info@reachout.com
Smiling Mind is modern meditation. It is a unique web and App-based program, designed to help bring balance to peoples lives.
The Suicide Call Back Service is a 24 hour, nationwide service that provides free telephone, video and online counselling. You can call them anywhere and anytime on 1300 659 467.
Their professionally trained counsellors have specialist skills in working with suicide-related issues and they can help you to work through the pain and distress you may be feeling.
Phone: 1300 659 467
Email: enquiries@ontheline.org.au
Occupational Therapy Australia
OTA is the peak professional body representing the interests of OTs across Australia. They enable lifelong learning, promote the future of OT and foster evidence-based practice. They exist to support OTs throughout their career.
They offer a search function to find an OT in your area.
Phone: 1300 682 878
Email: info@otaus.com.au
Murdoch Children's Research Institute
MCRI specialises in discoveries that transform child health. Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) is the largest child health research institute in Australia and the top three child health research institutes worldwide for research quality and impact. Their team of more than 1200 talented researchers is dedicated to making discoveries to prevent and treat childhood conditions. Many of their researchers are also clinicians at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, where the Institute is based. Their research is informed by the problems facing their patients but it also means when a discovery is made, this is quickly transformed into practical treatments for children in the hospital.
Phone: (03) 8341 6200
Email: mcri@mcri.edu.au
Parenthub is a free online resource for Australian parents. Parenthub provides current and relevant parenting and health information and is also home to a secure social network. Information is designed to support that provided by your health professional and never to replace it.
Email: info@parenthub.com.au
At raisingchildren.net.au, they provide free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help your family grow and thrive together. They’re funded by the Australian Government, reviewed by experts and non-commercial, so you know you can trust us.
Designed for busy families and full of tips and tricks for you to try, their content is easy to find and easy to digest. They have the answers to hundreds of parenting questions, where and when you need them.
Their articles, videos and interactive resources are tailored to different ages and stages, taking you from nurturing a newborn to raising a confident, resilient teen – and helping you to look after yourself as a parent too.
Email: feedback@raisingchildren.net.au
Red Nose is a national charity working to save little lives and support families impacted by the death of a baby or child.
Red Nose is Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep and safer pregnancy advice, and bereavement support for anyone affected by the death of a baby or child.
Phone: 1300 998 698
Email: info@rednose.org.au
Established in 1974, Arts Access Victoria (AAV) is the state’s peak body for arts and disability. As a disability-led arts organisation, AAV is at the forefront of innovative disability arts practice, access and inclusion. They aim to achieve cultural equity for Deaf and Disabled Victorians.
Phone: 03 9699 8299
Email: info@artsaccess.com.au
Disability Sport and Recreation
Supporting Victorians living with disability be active by providing greater choice, access and participation. Disability Sport and Recreation (DSR) offers many programs just for kids, including summer and winter camps in Victoria.
Phone: (03) 9473 0133
Email: info@dsr.org.au
People Outdoors, a branch of the Australian Camps Association, was established in 1989 to provide outdoor recreation for people of all ages living with disability. The Australian Camps Association is a registered NDIS service provider and is accredited with the Quality Tourism Framework.
Camp programs include overnight through to week long residential camps and provide people living with disability the opportunity to experience the social and developmental benefits of adventure outdoors. In some cases, participation is assisted by their charity, the People Outdoors Fund. All programs are staffed by trained and passionate professionals and volunteers.
Phone: (03) 9863 6824
Email: peopleoutdoors@auscamps.asn.au
Wild At Heart provides opportunities for people who experience disability, mental illness or disadvantage to tell their stories and engage with the community through paid and unpaid high quality arts making in music, dance, video and performance.
Phone: (03) 9326 9970
Email: info@wildatheart.org.au