You can contact the below helplines anytime for any reason. They’re free, private and confidential.

Kids helpline

A free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for 5 to 25 year olds.
Phone: 1800 551 800
kidshelpline.com.au

Lifeline

A free, confidential, telephone and online personal crisis support and suicide prevention service.
Phone: 13 11 14
lifeline.org.au

headspace

Information for young people aged between 12 to 25 on general mental health, physical health, work and study, alcohol and other drugs. They also have online support available.
https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/mental-ill-health/

Beyond Blue

Mental health support. All calls are with a qualified Mental Health Counsellor.
Phone: 1300 22 4636
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor

QLife

Anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. It’s available between 3pm and midnight every day.
1800 184 527
https://qlife.org.au/

1800RESPECT

Available for anyone of any age who experiences sexual assault or domestic and family violence.
Phone: 1800 737 732
1800respect.org.au

Helping yourself

Talking to an adult you trust can help. This could be a parent, carer, Elder, teacher or student wellbeing leader at your school.

If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or just struggling to deal with things, Kids helpline has lots of coping strategies you can try.

It’s ok to ask for help. Sometimes we might feel embarrassed or ashamed, but everyone needs help at times. Find out how to ask for help.

Helping your friend

You may notice your friend is not acting like themselves. If you’re worried about saying the wrong thing, here are 3 easy steps to help you have the conversation.

• Ask if they want to talk about it. It might be that they don’t want to and that’s ok too. Maybe you’re not the right person for them to talk to, but you can make some suggestions.
• Listen. Silence may seem awkward at first but think of it as a chance for both of you to gather your thoughts. If you’re finding it difficult to understand what they’re talking about, it’s okay to ask them to explain further.
• Support is the most important thing you can offer and if they refuse, help them explore their options for how they could begin to feel better.

You can find more tips and advice from Beyond Blue on how to check in with someone.