No matter what challenges you face in life, know that support is always available. There is no shame in asking for help or admitting when we need some extra care to help get through a difficult period.
If you are worried about yourself or someone else, it is best to speak to a trusted adult or professional, such as a GP, who can help you to access appropriate support.
If you have any immediate safety concerns, always call 000.
Watch this short video to find out more.
When you're going through a tough time, one of the best and most effective things you can do to feel better is to talk to someone.
ReachOut asked a bunch of experts and young people to explain why talking is so effective.
There are several support options available at school, which can compliment (though do not replace) external and professional support.
Students can speak to their Year Adviser, year group's Deputy Principal or the Student Support Officer (SSO) for some general advice on where and how to access support.
You can also make a self-referral to see a School Counsellor, who can provide short-term mental health support at school.
Use the QR code below to ask to speak to someone from school.
* Click here to meet our School's Wellbeing Team and available supports! *
If you would like to talk to someone from school you can self-refer using the QR code (or click here). You will be able to select who you would like to get in touch with (eg. your Year Adviser, Student Support Officer, School Counsellor)
School staff will receive your Self Referral and will contact you back in school operational hours: Monday to Friday (9AM - 3:15PM)
Always ring 000 in case of emergency.
There are many support services that you are able to access outside of school. This includes helplines, online forums for young people, youth services/organisations and your local doctor.
You and your family might like to reach out to these services for support or to find out if their service is the right fit for you.
If you would like some assistance with this please let us know. We are happy to help connect you to local supports.
* Click here for a list of Local Support Services*
Mental Health Treatment Plan
A good place to start can be a trip to see a doctor, who may be able to provide a Mental Health Treatment Plan so that you can access subsidised sessions with a mental health professional. We recommend speaking to a doctor if you continue to experience difficulties sleeping, are feeling low in energy or mood, and for any other general health concerns.
Youth Mental Health Services
Services such as Headspace and KYDS provide free mental health support and counselling for children and young people. You do not need a referral from a doctor to access these services. You or your parent/carer can easily refer to these services by calling or completing an online referral form.
Crisis / Helplines
If you have concerns regarding your own or another person's mental health, or you just need someone to talk to, contacting a helpline can provide a quicker response. If there are immediate safety concerns always contact 000. Have a look at the bottom of this page to find a list of helplines that you can contact for free.
* Other important Points to Consider *
Counselling is a personal and individual experience. Finding someone you feel comfortable with can make a big difference. It is always OK to keep trying until you find the right 'fit'. It is often recommended however, to decide after having 2-3 tries/sessions with one professional as it can take some time to get to know each other!
If you are not satisfied with the response from a doctor or any professional, it may be worthwhile seeing someone else.
Mental health can be complex and there is often no 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Have a look through the mental health resources and support services listed on this Hub and talk to a trusted adult when help is needed.