Where you can find help
If you are struggling during this time or need someone to talk to:
- Contact our 24/7 Open Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling service on 1800 011 046.
- The Australian Government’s Head to Health website has a dedicated page for COVID-19 Support, including links to trusted Australian online and phone supports and resources. It is a useful source of authoritative information and guidance on maintaining good mental health during the coronavirus pandemic and in self-isolation, how to support children and loved ones, and accessing further mental health services and care.
- For those experiencing domestic violence, contact 1800RESPECT.
- MensLine Australia, is a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns and the Men’s Referral Service works with men to end their violence and abuse towards family members. Phone 1300 789 978 or visit mensline.org.au
- If you have at least one day of continuous full-time service in the ADF, you may be eligible for free mental health treatment under Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC), regardless of the link to military service. Reservists without continuous full-time service who participated in disaster relief, border protection operations or who were involved in a a serious service-related training accident, may also be eligible. More information can be found on the NLHC page.
- Lifeline offers personal crisis support services. Call 131 114 at any time.
- Kids Helpline is a free service for young people aged 5 to 25. Kids, teens and young adults can call 1800 551 800 at any time.
- To test eligibility for income support payments including JobSeeker, contact Services Australia by visiting servicesaustralia.gov.au.
- The Kookaburra Kids program supports children of veterans who are experiencing mental health distress. It recently launched an online chat service called Kookaburra Kids Connect. For more information, see the article on Kookaburra Kids connect.