“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” said Jesus. (Matthew 11:28)
We are here to help wherever we can. However, at a parish level our skills are primarily in the spiritual area. If you feel anxious, overwhelmed or depressed, it is important to talk to someone now! Don’t put it off. For crisis and emergency assistance consider the details below. All discussions are confidential.
Suicide and crisis support
If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on 000.
Talk to someone now call –
Suicide Call Back Service Tel: 1300 659 467 Click here for their Website,
Lifeline Tel: 13 11 14 Click here for their Website, or
Domestic Violence Tel: 1800 656 463 Click here for their Website. Includes information & brochures to support someone suffering domestic violence.
Below are national help lines and websites – most have phone numbers or you can visit their website. Click on their name to link to their web site.
Black Dog Institute
Information on symptoms, treatment and prevention of depression and bipolar disorder.
Carers Australia
1800 242 636 – Short-term counselling and emotional and psychological support services for carers and their families in each state and territory.
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.
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800 – A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
MensLine Australia
1300 78 99 78 – A telephone and online support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.
Mind Health Connect
An innovative website dedicated to providing access to trusted, relevant mental health care services, online programs and resources.
MindSpot Clinic
1800 61 44 34 – An online and telephone clinic providing free assessment and treatment services for Australian adults with anxiety or depression.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Aboriginal Medical Services in each state and territory.
QLife
1800 184 527 (3pm-12am) – QLife is Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. The project provides nation-wide, early intervention, peer supported telephone and web based services to diverse people of all ages experiencing poor mental health, psychological distress, social isolation, discrimination, experiences of being misgendered and/or other social determinants that impact on their health and wellbeing.
While this is an independent service, the Parish perspective is the way of Jesus, the advice of Pope Francis and the spirit of our Diocese, all speak of the path of love and mercy. And always, this path starts with ourselves. We therefore warmly embrace all in the spirit we would like to be treated.
Relationships Australia
1300 364 277 – A provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities, including loneliness, elder relationships and family disputes resolution (mediation).
SANE Australia
1800 18 7263 – Information about mental illness, treatments, where to go for support and help carers.
Support after Suicide
Information, resources, counselling and group support to those bereaved by suicide. Education and professional development to health, welfare and education professionals.
Catholic Care
13 18 19– Catholic Care focuses on providing quality support, counselling and care services that value individual needs, strengthen families and build community connections. Services include: family relationships, children and youth services, community programs, education and vocational training, and employment services. Call 13 18 19 or visit www.catholiccare.org to find out more.
Support groups and online forums
Talking about what’s going on with others who understand – or may be going through something similar – can really make a difference. Our friends at Black Dog Institute have a list of support groups in every state and territory that can help you connect with groups of people who meet regularly to discuss their experiences, their problems and their strategies for coping.
The beyondblue online forums
A great way to connect with people online, in a safe and anonymous environment, to discuss anxiety, depression, suicide and a range of life issues. Anyone in Australia can participate in discussions, connect with others and share their experiences with our community.