SUPPORT SERVICES DIRECTORY

Parent & Family Support & Counselling

• Australian Counselling Association a national association of counsellors and psychotherapists… you can find a counsellor in your area with various specialties including grief and loss, alcohol and other drugs support, family therapy and more.
• Australian Psychological Society access thousands of psychologists across Australia, plus information on Medicare and psychological services.
• Australian Kinesiology Association Maggie has often found that kinesiology can be a very gentle and helpful way of working with unconscious, core beliefs, and children and teens often respond well as it uses muscle testing rather than talking. You can find a kinesiologist near you via the AKA website.
• Mission Australia nationwide help people find safe and affordable housing, and provide support and information to disadvantaged children, families and young people. Phone 1800 88 88 68 or visit https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/contact-us
• Pregnancy Birth & Baby Australia guidance about developmental and behavioural concerns and emotional support. Phone 1800 882 436 or visit https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au
• Tresilian Australia helps parents gain confidence in their new roles. Phone 1300 272 736 (1300 2 PARENT) or visit https://www.tresillian.org.au

• PANDA Australia perinatal anxiety & depression support for women, men and families. Phone 1300 726 306 or visit https://www.panda.org.au/
• MyTime Australia supporting parents of children with disabilities, developmental delay or chronic medical condition. Visit https://www.mytime.net.au/
• KidsHelpline Australia private, confidential 24/7 counselling for young people. Phone 1800 55 1800 or visit https://kidshelpline.com.au/
• ReachOut Australia mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Phone 02 8029 7777 or visit https://about.au.reachout.com/
• Raising Children Australia resources and support for pregnancy – teens, including special needs. Visit http://raisingchildren.net.au
• Parenting and Child Health SA support for feeding, settling and sleeping issues. Phone 1300 733 606 or visit http://www.cyh.com/SubContent.aspx?p=137
• Parenting SA guidance on parenting (birth to 18). Aboriginal and new migrant families. Phone (08) 8303 1660. https://parenting.sa.gov.au/
• The Pyjama Foundation QLD volunteers are matched with a child in foster care. Phone 07 3256 8802 or visit http://www.thepyjamafoundation.com/
• Parent Line QLD & NT professional counselling and support for parents and carers. Phone 1300 30 1300 or visit http://www.parentline.com.au
• Playgroup NT support and social contact in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Phone (08) 8945 7775 or 1800 171 882 or visit http://www.playgroupnt.com.au/
• Parentline ACT counselling service to parents and carers. Phone 6287 3833 or visit http://www.parentlineact.org.au/
• Parents HelpLine SA information about health, behaviour and relationships for parents and people working with children and young people. Phone 1300 364 100
• Parent Line TAS. For parents of children Birth-5. Phone 1300 808 178
• Playgroup TAS support and social contact in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Phone 1800 171 882 or visit http://playgrouptas.org.au/
• Ngala WA parent information & a parent line for parents of children from birth-18 Phone 1800 111 546 or 08 9368 9368 or visit http://www.ngala.com.au/
• Parentline NSW counselling, information and referral service. Phone 1300 1300 52 or visit http://www.parentline.org.au
• Families NSW support groups and services. Visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/having-children/parenting-young-children/parent-support
• Karitane NSW education and support on parenting for mums and dads with children from birth to 5 years of age. Phone 1300 CARING or 9794 2350 or visit https://karitane.com.au

Relationships

• Relationships Australia — counselling, support, education, family dispute resolution (mediation). Phone 1300 364 277 or visit relationships.org.au
• Family Relationships Online Australia Government website you can find links to support services, including counselling and family mediation and dispute resolution providers. Phone 1800 050 321 or visit https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/
• Better Relationships (Qld) – run by Anglicare Southern Qld. Offering counselling services and community services. Phone 1300 114 397 or visit http://betterrelationships.org.au
• Relationship breakdown for young people – Headspace has a helpful factsheet for adolescents dealing with relationship break-ups. https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-get-over-a-relationship-breakup/

Please also see Maggie’s list of books on separation and divorce to help kids.

Gender & sexuality

Reachout has an excellent list of support services around sex, sexuality or gender. They also have a great list of Culturally diverse LGBTQI support services and groups 

• SwitchBoard Vic Tas Service for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex people. Phone 1800 184 527 or visit http://www.switchboard.org.au/
• Rainbow Families Vic support for ‘rainbow families’ who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, intersex, and their children.

Women’s support

• National Council for Single Mothers and Their Children access to information and support. Phone 1800 758 150 or visit http://www.ncsmc.org.au/
• Indigenous Women’s Legal Contact Australia. Phone 1800 639 784
• SA Women’s information Service information and referral service for women. Phone 1800 188 158 or visit http://www.officeforwomen.sa.gov.au/womens-information-service
• Women’s Legal Services Australia a network of women’s legal services and associated organisations from around the country.
• WIRE (Women’s Information and Referral Exchange, Victoria). Victoria-wide free generalist information, support and referral service run by women for women. Phone 1300 134 130 or visit https://www.wire.org.au
• Women’s Infolink Qld provides Queensland women and girls with resources, information and links to services and organisations across the state. Phone 1800 177 577 or visit https://www.qld.gov.au/community/women/support-for-women/womens-infolink
• Lifeline Australia crisis support, suicide prevention. Phone 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Men’s support

MensLine Australia has a very comprehensive list of services and useful links and support for men, covering everything from Children & Fathering, Family and Relationships, Family Law, Family Violence, Men and Masculinity, Men’s Physical Health, Mental Health, Older Men and Wellbeing… we suggest you start there: https://mensline.org.au/about-us/useful-links-and-support/

• Island of Men a not-for-profit groupwhose mission is to provide a safe space where men can connect more deeply with themselves, each other and the natural environment. https://islandofmen.site
• Mensline Australia confidential, male-friendly counselling 24/7. Phone 1300 78 99 78 or visit https://mensline.org.au/
• Men’s Shed Association Australia practical support and a wide range of services. Phone 1300 550 009 or visit https://mensshed.org/mens-health/.
• The Fatherhood Project Australia supports all fathers to be engaged in their children’s lives. Visit http://www.fatherhood.com.au/
• Men’s Wellbeing men supporting men (men’s groups and men’s gatherings).
• Domestic and Family Violence Support Australia Men’s Referral Service. Phone 1300 766 491
• Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline WA. Phone 1800 000 599.
• PREPARE FOUNDATION – conducts and disseminates research, provides evidence based information, delivera antenatal education for fathers, relationship education for parents and advocate for greater paternal involvement in the reproductive health system. https://prepare.org.au/
• Australian Men’s Health Forum an online resource that looks at the social factors that influence men’s and boys’ health. https://www.amhf.org.au/
• Lifeline Australia crisis support, suicide prevention. Phone 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Single parenting

• National Council for Single Mothers and Their Children access to information and support. Phone 1800 758 150 or visit http://www.ncsmc.org.au/
• Single With Children NSW social activities in Sydney. Phone (02) 9794 2300 or visit http://www.singlewithchildren.com.au/
• Bean Stalk Mums support group information.

Health, breastfeeding & premature infants

• HealthDirect Australia information and advice service. Phone 1800 022 222 or visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
• 13 HEALTH talk to a registered nurse 24 hour a day, 7 days. Phone 13 43 25 84 or visit https://www.qld.gov.au/health/contacts/advice/13health
• Breastfeeding Association Australia for parents needing support with breastfeeding. Phone 1800 686 268 or visit https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/
• AustPrem support in any way we can parents and caregivers of other premature infants and children.

Depression, anxiety, trauma and other mental health support

• Lifeline Australia crisis support, suicide prevention. Phone 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/
• Mental Health Access Line Australia. Phone 1800 011 511
• Beyond Blue Australia anxiety and depression Phone 1300 22 4636 or visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• SANE Australia a national mental health charity working to support four million Australians affected by complex mental illness. SANE’s work includes mental health awareness, online peer support and information, stigma reduction, specialist helpline support, research and advocacy. Phone 1800 187 263 or visit https://www.sane.org
• The Brave Program (from The University of Queensland) a free, interactive online program to help children and teens cope with worries and anxiety. They have programs for parents too. https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/
• Centre for Clinical Interventions (WA) has some fantastic resources to support people with a range of areas that impact their mental health (i.e anxiety, bipolar, depression, social anxiety, body dysmorphia, disordered eating, perfectionism and more). https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/looking-after-yourself
• Karitane NSW pre and post-natal anxiety and depression. Phone 300 CARING or 9794 2350
• ReachOut Australia mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Phone 02 8029 7777 or visit https://about.au.reachout.com/
• PANDA Australia perinatal anxiety & depression support for women, men and families. Phone 1300 726 306 or visit https://www.panda.org.au/
• KidsHelpline Australia private, confidential 24/7 counselling for young people. Phone 1800 55 1800 or visit https://kidshelpline.com.au/
• Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss & Grief Network resources useful to practitioners and other professionals working in the area of child and adolescent trauma

• Smiling Mind a not-for-profit web and app-based free meditation program whose goal is to have mindfulness on the Australian Curriculum by 2020. Maggie is an ambassador for Smiling Mind and encourages everyone to download their app to have access to their meditation tracks.
• Hey Sigmund is an excellent blog that has useful evidence-based articles, strategies, videos and books to support children and teens with anxiety.
• Anxious Toddlers and Teens is a US-based site that has excellent resources to support children and teens with anxiety and OCD.
• A Dose of Awesomeness offers practical, evidence-based resources from clinical psychiatrist and mother of three Dr Kaylene Henderson

Check out Maggie’s parental help page on ANXIETY AND FEAR/CALMING CHILDREN and also this helpful list of the best books and resources for supporting kids with anxiety.

Alcohol and other drugs and gambling support

• National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline:1800 250 015 and https://positivechoices.org.au/
• Australian Government Department of Health Drug Help Resources to help people who are facing issues with drugs and alcohol, as well as resources for their families.
• Mirabel Foundation Australia assists children orphaned or abandoned due to parental illicit drug use. Phone 03 9527 9422 or visit https://www.mirabelfoundation.org.au
• Odyssey House NSW health and family support, residential rehab, community services. Phone 1800 397 739 or visit https://www.odysseyhouse.com.au/
• Lifeline Australia crisis support, suicide prevention. Phone 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/
• ACT Gambling Support Service confidential face-to-face, telephone and online counselling services for people experiencing harm associated with gambling. https://racr.org.au/services/gambling-support/
• Gambling Help Online Counselling, information and support 24/7 https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
• Gamblers’ Youthline – help for under 25s. Phone 1300 262 376 or visit https://gamblershelp.com.au/get-help/under-25s/

Domestic violence, sexual assault & child abuse support

• 1800 RESPECT national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling service. Phone 1800 737 732 or visit https://www.1800respect.org.au/
• KidsHelpline Australia private, confidential 24/7 counselling for young people. Phone 1800 55 1800 or visit https://kidshelpline.com.au/
• NSW 24 hour Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63 or visit http://www.domesticviolence.nsw.gov.au/get-help
• Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria
• DV Connect Queensland For immediate crisis support phone 1800 811 811 or visit https://www.dvconnect.org/
• SAMSN – Survivors & Mates Support Network a not-for-profit organisation working to increase public awareness of the effects that childhood sexual abuse can have on men in their adult lives. Phone 1800 4 SAMSN (72676) or visit https://www.samsn.org.au
• Mensline has a useful page with information for male victims of violence.
• Domestic and Family Violence Support Australia Men’s Referral Service. Phone 1300 766 491
• Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline WA. Phone 1800 000 599 or visit https://www.wa.gov.au/service/community-services/community-support/mens-domestic-violence-helpline
• Blue Knot Foundation Telephone counselling for adult survivors of childhood trauma, their friends, family and the health care professionals who support them. Phone 1300 657 380 or visit https://www.blueknot.org.au/
• Australian Childhood Foundation counselling for children and young people affected by abuse and trauma. Phone 1800 176 453 or visit https://www.childhood.org.au/
• Bravehearts information, advocacy and a national support line for anyone wanting information or support relating to child sexual assault, and for adult survivors of abuse. Phone 1800 272 831 or visit https://bravehearts.org.au/what-we-do/counselling-and-support/counselling/
• Parkerville Children and Youth Care (Inc), WA their mission is to protect, care, advocate and promote recovery for children and young people who have experienced trauma from abuse, to support families and to work with the community to prevent child abuse in WA.
• The Alannah & Madeline Foundation offers care programs, prevention programs and advocacy work to support children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence, and to prevent violence and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing.
• Elder Abuse Prevention Unit Phone 1800 628 221 or visit https://eapu.com.au/
• National Disability Abuse & Neglect Hotline. Phone 1800 880 052

Please also check out Maggie’s list of Resource to teach children body safety & protective behaviours.

Eating disorders support

• Butterfly Foundation Australia for eating disorder support. Phone 1800 33 4673 or visit https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au
• Headspace Australia wellbeing support for young people. Phone 1800 650 890 or visit https://headspace.org.au/
• National Eating Disorders Collaboration.
• KidsHelpline Australia private, confidential 24/7 counselling for young people. Phone 1800 55 1800 or visit https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Disability, learning challenges and additional needs

• National Disability Insurance Scheme support people with disability and their carers.
• PlayConnect Australia families with young children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or who present with ASD-like characteristics.
• MyTime Australia supporting parents of children with disabilities, developmental delay or chronic medical condition.
• Disability Services Commission WA. Phone (08) 9426 9200 or 1800 998 214 or visit http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/
• Australian Dyslexia Association supports wellbeing, identification and treatment of those experiencing dyslexia and related differences and challenges
• Learning Difficulties Australia is an association of teachers and other professionals dedicated to assisting students with learning difficulties through effective teaching practices based on scientific research.
• Speech Pathology Australia has a useful ‘find a speech pathologist’ function on their website.
• ASPECT Autism Spectrum Australia advice, support, diagnostic assessments. Phone 1800 277 328 or visit https://www.autismspectrum.org.au
• Autism Association of WA for anyone seeking to better understand autism or who is concerned about someone they know.
• AEIOU Foundation for Children With Autism early intervention for children with autism.
• Minds & Hearts services and training for Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism.
• Autism Queensland education, therapy and support services.
• Allison Davies, Neurologic Music Therapist has some great resources on her website to support people whose children have additional needs, especially autism and/or sensory processing issues.
• Specialised Learning Programs – check your state government’s website for information about specialised learning programs and education support centres in public schools in your region (for example North Mandurah Primary School in WA has a SLP-A)
• ADHD Australia – general information and advocacy in relation to ADHD.
• pADHD – Dr Alison Poulton from the University of Sydney has put together some excellent resource booklets on ADHD, ODD and behavioural strategies and medications for ADHD.
• SPD Australia (Sensory Processing Disorder Australia) – support and advocacy for people with sensory processing issues.

Death, loss, illness & grief support

• Good Grief evidence-based loss and grief education programs that help children, young people and adults to understand their experience and attend well to their grief following major loss experiences (including death, separation or divorce, natural disasters, forced migration and other loss experiences).
• Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement support for professional and people who have experienced bereavement.
• Grieflink information on death-related grief for the community and professionals (SA based but much information is relevant to people all around Australia).
• Lionheart Camp for Kids (WA) a children’s bereavement program supporting grieving children between the ages of 5 and 12.
• Griefline phone counselling and online counselling for people experiencing grief.
• SANDS Australia for miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death Phone 1300 072 637 or visit https://www.sands.org.au/
• Bears of Hope grief support and care for families who experience the loss of their baby. Phone 1300 11 HOPE or visit http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/
• Redkite Providing essential support to children and young people with cancer, and their families.
• Canteen support for young people dealing with the impacts of cancer in their family or with a diagnosis of their own.
• Karen Ferry (Cortxion and Brain Smart Education) is a neuropsychotherapist, counsellor and educator who has also written Benson the Boxer: A Story of Loss and Life, and Benson the Boxer Program for Loss and Grief: A Manual for Therapists, Educators and Parents Working with Children. Both the storybook, the manual with accompanying worksheets, assist children and young people who find themselves in a ‘stuck’ place, feeling they are unable to move forward after they experience loss.
• The Quest for Life Foundation founded by Petrea King provides practical skills and strategies for people to create peace and resilience in their lives, particularly if they or someone they love have cancer or other chronic illness and/or are experiencing loss and grief. The site has a useful toolkit for children and a toolkit for adults as well as a toolkit for carers.

Bullying and cyberbullying

• Office of the eSafety Commissioner resources and support to help all Australians have safe, positive experiences online. The Office will also work to get cyberbullying materials removed.
• Dr Kristy Goodwin has resources on her website to support kids, teens, parents, teachers and other professionals to use technology in healthy and helpful ways (NB Dr Kristy does not provide one-on-one advice or consultations) but her site has some very useful resources.
• The Alannah & Madeline Foundation’s e-Smart initiative helps schools and communities to better teach smart, safe and responsible use of online technology.
• Bullying. No Way! An Australian government website providing information for students, parents and teachers on all aspects of bullying (online and offline)
• The Australian Student Wellbeing Hub has resources for students, parents and schools to help create learning communities that promote student wellbeing and development of respectful relationships.
• Best Programs 4 Kids has resources and training to support development of social and emotional skills – for kids, parents and schools.
• Bully Stoppers (Victoria) works to support teachers, principals, parents and students in working together to put a stop to bullying.
• Stymie enables students to make anonymous notifications about themselves or their peers if they are being bullied. The connected school receives the information via email, and responds according to their wellbeing framework.
• Safe On Social education and support for people to use social media safely and positively.