Where to go for support

A mental health care plan is a plan for people with a mental health disorder. If you have mental health issues, your doctor can write out this plan. It identifies what type of health care you need, and spells out what you and your doctor have agreed you are aiming to achieve. It also may refer you to local mental health services.

CHIRP:

CHIRP provide free and low cost counselling and psychological services for young people and their families.

Contact them on (03) 5470 1000 or email@cdch.com.au

https://chirp.org.au/category_service/youth/

Headspace Bendigo:

headspace Bendigo is a place you can go to, when you may need help with any issue (large or small) that maybe worrying you. At headspace Bendigo, all services are free, including GP services.

At headspace Bendigo you can receive support from a range of professionals including youth workers, sexual health workers, social workers, alcohol and other drug workers. These workers are skilled in listening to young people and can help you identify problems, goals and achieve creative solutions to issues.

Ph: 54 345 345 or email headspace@bchs.com.au or Headspace National 1800 650 890 provide support and advice to young people and their families

For families/carers:

Parentline 13 22 89

Parentline is a confidential and anonymous phone counselling service for parents and carers of children and teenagers in Victoria. They offer counselling, information and support around a range of parenting issues.

The Raising Children Network:

http://raisingchildren.net.au

Child and Family Information, Referral and Support Team (Child FIRST):

Child FIRST links vulnerable children, young people and their families into the relevant services they need.

Phone: 1800 260 338

https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/referral-and-support-teams

The Orange Door:

The Orange Door is the new access point for women, children and young people who are experiencing family violence, or families who need assistance with the care and wellbeing of children to access the services they need to be safe and supported.

Phone: 1800 260 338

The Centre for Non-Violence:

Support for women and their children experiencing family violence
Group and Case-management programs for men who use violence against women and children.
Housing support programs for young women who are pregnant or parenting

Phone: 03 5430 3000

Emergency Relief and Financial Aide:

The Victorian government can assist eligible families with little or nothing in the pantries with emergency relief packages. Families can register their need for 2 weeks’ worth of food, by calling Victoria’s coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. For eligible families the packages will contain items such as long-life milk, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables and sugar. Personal care packages containing soap, toothpaste and deodorant are also available for eligible households. The program is being run by the Red Cross in partnership with Foodbank Victoria under the direction of the State Relief Coordinator.

St Vincent de Paul

Ph: 5470 6091

Open: Mon, Wed, Thu from 12pm - 4pm.

Where do I get info on sexual health?

You can check out the following websites:

Sexual Health Victoria Website or Better Health Victoria or download the SHV app: IRL Sexual Health App

Accessing a psychologist

If you are referred to a psychologist by your GP, you might be eligible for a Medicare rebate. You may also be eligible to receive psychology services via telehealth so that you do not need to travel to see a psychologist. Ask your psychologist or GP for details.

There are number of ways to access a psychologist. You can:

• Go to findapsychologist.org.au or call 1800 333 497

• ask your GP or another health professional to refer you.

• Investigate other mental health services via the link: https://mhaustralia.org/need-help

LOW COST COUNSELLING VIA TELEHEALTH NOW AVAILABLE

The Mental Health Foundation Australia's 'Wellness Hub' can now provide low cost telehealth appointments for just $20 per session.

For appointments, please fill out the web form on their website: https://wellnesshub.mhfa.org.au/enquiry-form

You can also enquire for appointments by calling 03 9827 5567.

All new clients seeking an appointment must provide a GP Referral or a Mental Health Care Plan via email to wellness.hub@mhfa.org.au

Access to FREE online Psychologist

Rural Health Connect GP and Psychological Services

Please find attached a flyer for the Rural Connect Provisional Psychology Program developed by Federation University Connects Rural Australia to Mental Health Services (ruralhealthconnect.com.au).

This is a free telehealth program for children, adolescents and adults who require low-level psychological intervention and support.

A Mental Health Care Plan or referral is not required.

This is for low level cases that are not overly complex.

They also advise of no waiting list.

Rural Health Connect offer a few program pathways. If the psychologist feels that the complexity of a case is high (self-harming, suicidal ideation etc) this can then be referred to their team of psychologists. This team does require a GP referral and Mental Health Plan.

Rural Recovery Program (provisional psychs) (6).pdf

RHC-client-flyer-V02.pdf

Other Great Resources

Blue Knot Foundation Helpline information, support or referral for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380, 9am-5pm / 7 days a week.

Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline counselling and treatment referral for people with eating disorders, and body image and related issues. Call 1800 33 4673 8am-9pm / 7 days a week.

Child Protection (5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays) For children and young people whose safety is at risk Call 13 12 78

eheadspace mental health and wellbeing support, information and services to young people aged 12 to 25 years and their families. Call 1800 650 890.

MensLine Australia telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days a week.

Men’s Referral Service (8am to 9pm Monday to Friday; 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday). For people at risk of using family violence. Free, confidential, expert support for men and their family and friends. Call 1300 766 491

MindSpot Clinic telephone and online service for people with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression. Call 1800 61 44 34 AEST, 8am-8pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-6pm (Sat).

QLife telephone and web-based services to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTQI) people. Call 1800 184 527, 3pm-12am (midnight) / 7 days a week.

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) telephone information, counselling and referral service. Call 1300 726 306, 9am-7:30pm AEST (Mon-Fri).

SANE Australia support, training and education enabling those with a mental illness to lead a better life. Call 1800 18 7263, 9am-5pm (Mon-Fri).

Safe Steps (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) For women and children who are victims of family violence. Web chat support service Monday to Friday 9am until midnight. Call 1800 015 188

Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) For victims of sexual assault. Call 1800 806 292

The Compassionate Friends Victoria information and peer support for families trying to rebuild their lives after the death of a child, sibling or grandchild, from trained volunteers with lived experience. Call 9888 4944 or 1300 064 068 24/7. Siblings (aged 18-30 years) can use the web chat daily, 3pm- 12am.

With Respect (5pm to 11pm each Wednesday and 10am to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday) Specialist LGBTIQ family violence service. Call 1800 542 847

Victims of Crime Helpline (8am to 11pm, 7 days a week) For adult male victims of family violence and victims of violent crime. Call 1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891

Mental Health Foundation Australia National Mental Health Helpline offers emotional and practical support to families, carers and individuals with mental health issues. The response team does not provide counselling but can arrange a call back from a trained Psychologist or Counsellor. Call 1300 643 287.