The difficult moments in life don’t always occur conveniently between the hours of 9-5, Monday to Friday. But that is when most support services and programs are available.
I have however noticed over the last few years the emergence of many more out-of-hours support services. For example, Health, Counselling and Disability services, where I work, has an After Hours Crisis Line. It is available from 5pm to 9am, Monday to Friday and 24 hours a day on weekends and public holidays. You can call 1300 512 409 or text message 0488 884 103.
Louise (one of our intake workers) sent out an email today alerting us to a range of other out-of-hours support services that are available. I’ve listed them below. These are in addition to the many phone and chat services we’ve documented in previous posts.
These services can literally save lives, so take note of them in case you ever need them or someone close to you does.
Walk in After Hours Mental Health Service (Edinburgh North) – supports people aged 18 years and over in the after hours period between 5.00pm – 10.00pm Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Access the service by calling 8209 0711 or visit sonder.net.au/after-hours.
Lived Experience Telephone Support Service (LETSS) – a free after hours telephone support service designed to provide non-clinical mental health information. The service is delivered by experienced peer workers between 5.00pm – 11.30pm, 365 days a year. Access the service by calling 1800 013 755 or webchat at letss.org.au.
Adelaide After Hours – a free and easy to use online directory detailing Adelaide health services (GP, dentist or pharmacy) open after 5.00pm. To access the services, visit adelaideafterhours.com.au.
A new Walk-in Mental Health Service is now available for people who are seeking help with stress, grief, depression and anxiety outside regular support service hours. The Walk-in, After-Hours Mental Health Service is located at the Noarlunga GP Plus Super Clinic, the service is open from 5pm–11pm Thursday to Saturday and 5pm–11pm Monday. The free service is walk-in, and no appointment or referral is required. It is available to people who require immediate mental health support without attending the emergency department. Visit their website to learn more.