\n
<\/p>\n
When I started in this job, one of my tasks was to scope all of the online and telephone chat services that are available for students (and indeed any member of the public) to use.<\/p>\n
I was honestly surprised at the range of telephone and chat support services that are now available \ud83d\ude2f<\/p>\n
There are now phone and chat services for:<\/p>\n
- \n
- those in crisis<\/li>\n
- men<\/li>\n
- people who just want someone to talk to<\/li>\n
- those struggling with mental health issues<\/li>\n
- those who have been affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence or trauma<\/li>\n
- LGBTIQA people<\/li>\n
- those struggling with an eating disorder<\/li>\n
- veterans and defence personnel<\/li>\n
- people trying to quit smoking<\/li>\n
- individuals affected by gambling addiction<\/li>\n
- parents<\/li>\n
- individuals affected by drug and alcohol addiction<\/li>\n
- those with cancer and their family and friends<\/li>\n
- those struggling with study or work issues<\/li>\n
- people trying to make difficult decisions<\/li>\n
- those affected by road trauma<\/li>\n
- those affected by suicide<\/li>\n
- specific cultural and religious communities<\/li>\n
- individuals seeking out mental health programs and services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
I continue to keep track of them. You will find the current list below.<\/p>\n
Phone and chat services appeal to people who have a specific concern they want to talk about but are blocked from (e.g. by distance) or a little overwhelmed at seeing someone face-to-face.<\/p>\n
Phone and chat services are often also available beyond usual business hours and don’t require travel to access them.<\/p>\n
You might also want to check out the SA Gov website which maintains a comprehensive list of helplines – https:\/\/www.sa.gov.au\/topics\/emergencies-and-safety\/crisis-helplines-and-support<\/a><\/p>\n
Also, remember that Flinders has an Out of Hours Crisis Line<\/a> as well that is available to students.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/student-health-and-well-being\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2021\/04\/phone-and-chat-services.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCrisis Support<\/h1>\n
Flinders Crisis Line \u2013 Out-of-hours confidential support for Flinders students in distress \u2013 call 1300 512 409 or text 0488 884 103 \u2013 from 5.00pm to 9.00am M to F, weekends, public holidays<\/p>\n
Lifeline \u2013 telephone and online counselling for people experiencing a personal crisis \u2013 call 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit https:\/\/www.lifeline.org.au\/<\/a> for chat services (7.00pm to Midnight, 7 days)<\/p>\n
Beyond Blue Support Service \u2013 Telephone, online and email counselling for people going through a tough time \u2013 call 1300 22 4636 (24 hours, 7 days a week), chat online (3pm to 12am, 7 days a week) – https:\/\/www.beyondblue.org.au\/get-support\/get-immediate-support<\/a><\/p>\n
Suicide Call Back Service \u2013 nationwide service providing professional 24\/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide \u2013 call 1300 659 467 or visit website for online chat – https:\/\/www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au\/<\/a> \u00a0– 24 hours a day, 7 days a week<\/p>\n
Samaritans Crisis Line \u2013 24\/7 anonymous crisis support for Australians dealing with feelings of depression, sadness, loneliness and despair \u2013 call 135 247 \u2013 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – https:\/\/thesamaritans.org.au\/get-help-support\/<\/a><\/p>\n
13YARN \u2013 24\/7 confidential crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – https:\/\/www.13yarn.org.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
For men<\/h1>\n
Mensline \u2013 telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns \u2013 call 1300 78 99 78 (24 hours, 7 days a week), online chat – https:\/\/mensline.org.au\/phone-and-online-counselling\/<\/a><\/p>\n
Changing for Good \u2013 a program to help men stop using violence in their family and relationships \u2013 call 1300 015 120 or visit website https:\/\/www.changingforgood.org.au<\/a><\/p>\n
Men\u2019s Referral Service \u2013 Advice for men about family violence \u2013 call 1300 766 49 or visit https:\/\/ntv.org.au\/get-help\/<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Just someone to talk to<\/h1>\n
7 Cups \u2013 free anonymous and confidential online text chat with trained listeners – https:\/\/www.7cups.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n
Kids Helpline \u2013 someone to chat to, anytime, any reason (ages 18-25) \u2013 call 1800 55 1800 or visit the site for messenger chat – https:\/\/kidshelpline.com.au\/young-adults<\/a><\/p>\n
TalkLife \u2013 a safe place to chat about anything – https:\/\/talklife.co\/<\/a> – apps for Android and Apple<\/p>\n
Friendline \u2013 A national support line \u201cready for a cuppa and a conversation\u201d with trained volunteers \u2013 call 1800 424 287 – https:\/\/www.friendline.org.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n
eFriend – A FREE service that allows people who are feeling low, lonely or isolated to access virtual peer support sessions via video or phone call. Our peer workers can offer insight, provide hope, and empathise from their own lived experience \u2013 whether you\u2019re looking for support or just want someone to chat to – https:\/\/icla.org.au\/efriend\/<\/a><\/p>\n
My Circle – My Circle is the free, private, safe and confidential social platform for 12-25 year olds across Australia – https:\/\/kidshelpline.com.au\/my-circle<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
General Health Advice<\/h1>\n
24\/7 helpline to speak with a registered nurse.<\/span> Free Australian health advice you can count on – call 1800 022 222 anytime – https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Mental health<\/h1>\n
Mental Health Triage – In South Australia, the Mental Health Triage Service is available for those in need of mental health support. You can contact them at 13 14 65, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service acts as a central point for receiving and assessing referrals for individuals requiring mental health services, including psychology and drug and alcohol support. For more information on available services, you can visit the SA Health website<\/a>.<\/p>\n
LETSS \u2013 a peer based chat service to help you understand and improve your mental health \u2013 call 1800 013 755 (5pm to 11.30pm, 365 days a year) or visit https:\/\/www.linkstowellbeing.org.au\/services\/letss<\/a> for online chat<\/p>\n
eHeadspace \u2013 online and telephone support and counselling for young people aged 12-25 and their families going through a tough time \u2013 call 1800 650 890 or go online for messenger chat and email services – https:\/\/headspace.org.au\/eheadspace\/connect-with-a-clinician\/<\/a> – 3pm to 10pm every day<\/p>\n
SANE helpline \u2013 information, guidance and referrals you need to manage mental health concerns \u2013 call 1800 187 263 or visit website for online chat – https:\/\/www.sane.org\/get-help<\/a> – 10am to 10pm, weekdays<\/p>\n
Better Help \u2013 tap into the Tap into the world’s largest network of licensed, accredited, and experienced counselors who can help you with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief, and more – https:\/\/www.betterhelp.com\/<\/a> – this is a paid service<\/p>\n
Talkspace \u2013 Talkspace makes therapy available and affordable to all \u2013 https:\/\/www.talkspace.com<\/a> \u2013 this is a paid service<\/p>\n
Regional Access \u2013 a free online and phone counselling service for anyone living or working in regional, rural or remote SA who are feelings the pressures and stresses of everyday life \u2013 1300 032 186 – https:\/\/saregionalaccess.org.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n
ForWhen – Mental health support for expecting and new parents – call 1300 24 23 22 – https:\/\/forwhenhelpline.org.au\/<\/a> – 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday<\/p>\n
Medicare Mental Health – Advice on local mental health services that are best for you – 1800 595 212 – https:\/\/www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au\/<\/a> – weekdays 8.30am to 5pm, excluding public holidays<\/p>\n
Reachout Peer Chat – Free text-based chat with peer workers who have experience with mental health challenges – https:\/\/au.reachout.com\/peerchat\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sexual assault, domestic or family violence, abuse, trauma<\/h1>\n
1800 Respect \u2013 confidential information, counselling and support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse \u2013 call 1800 737 732 or visit website for online chat and other resources – https:\/\/www.1800respect.org.au\/<\/a> – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week<\/p>\n
Blue Knot Helpline – Blue Knot Helpline is a specialist service. Our counsellors provide empathetic, informative and empowering support for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse \u2013 call 1300 657 380 or email helpline@blueknot.org.au \u2013 9am to 5pm AEST, Monday to Sunday – https:\/\/www.blueknot.org.au\/Helpline<\/a><\/p>\n
National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline \u2013 Australia-wide telephone hotline for reporting abuse or neglect of people with disability \u2013 call 1800 880 052 or visit https:\/\/www.jobaccess.gov.au\/complaints<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/student-health-and-well-being\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2022\/04\/call-for-help-240x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLBGTIQA<\/h1>\n
Qlife – anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships \u2013 call 1800 184 527 or visit website for online chat – https:\/\/qlife.org.au\/<\/a> – 3pm to midnight, every day<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Eating disorders<\/h1>\n
Butterfly Foundation \u2013The Butterfly National Helpline 1800 ED HOPE provides free and confidential support for anyone in Australia concerned about eating disorders or body image issues, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST\/AEDT). Our counsellors are qualified mental health professionals with a background in psychology, social work or counselling, and have specialist training in eating disorders and body image. \u2013 call 1800 33 4673 or visit website for online chat – https:\/\/thebutterflyfoundation.org.au\/our-services\/helpline\/<\/a> – 8am to 12am, 7 days a week (except national public holidays)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Veteran and defence personnel<\/h1>\n
Veterans and Families Counselling \u2013 free and confidential counselling for anyone who has served at least one day in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and veterans \u2013 call 1800 011 046 \u2013 24 hours, 7 days a week – https:\/\/www.openarms.gov.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n
Safe Zone Support – a free and anonymous counselling line for all current and ex-serving ADF personnel, veterans and their families. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – call 1800 142 072 – https:\/\/www.openarms.gov.au\/safe-zone\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Quit smoking<\/h1>\n
Quitline – providing the support, strategies and information to empower individuals to quit smoking \u2013 call 13 78 48 or visit website for online chat – QuitlineSA<\/a>\u00a0– 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Gambling<\/h1>\n
Gambling Help Online \u2013 support for anyone affected by gambling \u2013 call 1800 858 858 or visit website for online chat – https:\/\/www.gamblinghelponline.org.au\/<\/a> – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Carers Support<\/h1>\n
Practical information and support for carers.<\/span> They offer a phone-based service and can connect you to local SA support (like Carers SA) – https:\/\/www.carergateway.gov.au\/<\/a> – 1800 422 737 – Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
For parents<\/h1>\n
Parent Helpline \u2013 for parenting advice and support \u2013 call 1300 364 100 \u2013 7.15am to 9.15pm, 7 days – http:\/\/www.cyh.com\/SubContent.aspx?p=102<\/a><\/p>\n
PANDA \u2013 support for women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood \u2013 call 1300 726 306 \u2013 9am to 7.30pm M to F – https:\/\/www.panda.org.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline \u2013 support for parents on the journey from pregnancy, to baby and pre-school \u2013 call 1800 882 436 or visit website for video call options – https:\/\/www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au\/video-call<\/a> – 7am to 12am, 7 days a week<\/p>\n
Sands \u2013 support for parents who have lost a baby \u2013 call 1300 072 637 (24\/7) or visit website for online chat option – https:\/\/www.sands.org.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n
Red nose grief and loss \u2013 supporting parents after the death of a child \u2013 call 1300 308 307 – https:\/\/rednosegriefandloss.com.au\/<\/a> – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week<\/p>\n
ForWhen – Mental health support for expecting and new parents – call 1300 24 23 22 – https:\/\/forwhenhelpline.org.au\/<\/a> – 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Drug and alcohol<\/h1>\n
Counselling Online \u2013 support for people affected by alcohol & other drugs \u2013 chat online at https:\/\/www.counsellingonline.org.au\/how-we-can-help\/chat-to-a-counsellor<\/a> – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week<\/p>\n
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline \u2013 This hotline provides confidential support for people struggling with addiction. You can call the Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 250 015.<\/p>\n
Family Drug Support \u2013 national service for families dealing with drug and alcohol issues \u2013 call 1300 368 186 \u2013 24 hours a day, 7 days a week<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Cancer<\/h1>\n
Cancer Council \u2013 free, confidential telephone information and support for cancer patients, people living with cancer, their families, carers and friends, teachers, students and healthcare professionals \u2013 call 13 11 20<\/strong> \u2013 9am to 5pm M to F<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Study\/work related<\/h1>\n
Digital Work and Study Service \u2013 free and confidential support for 15-24 year olds who are worried about work or study \u2013 call 1800 810 794 or visit website for online chat options – https:\/\/headspace.org.au\/young-people\/digital-work-and-study-program\/<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Decision making<\/h1>\n
Ethi-call – a free, independent, national helpline available to all. It provides expert and impartial guidance to help people make their way through life\u2019s toughest challenges, when there\u2019s nowhere else to turn. Book a call at https:\/\/ethics.org.au\/initiatives\/ethi-call\/<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Financial Wellbeing & Debt<\/h1>\n
Free, confidential, and independent financial counselling – Call<\/span>:<\/span><\/b> 1800 007 007 (9:30am\u20134:30pm, M-F) – https:\/\/ndh.org.au\/<\/a> – Live chat available weekdays 9am to 8pm<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
After a vehicle accident<\/h1>\n
Road Trauma Support Team of South Australia \u2013 Counselling and support groups for those affected by road trauma \u2013 call 0400 705 066 or Freecall 1800 069 528 – http:\/\/www.roadtraumasupportsa.com.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
After a suicide<\/h1>\n
Living Beyond Suicide \u2013 A free program providing practical and emotional support to families and individuals bereaved through suicide \u2013 call 1300 761 193 or email lbs@anglicaresa.com.au – https:\/\/anglicaresa.com.au\/support\/suicide-support\/living-beyond-suicide\/<\/a><\/p>\n
Standby \u2013 Support After Suicide \u2013 StandBy is Australia\u2019s leading suicide postvention program dedicated to assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide \u2013 Country SA North 0438 728 644 or Country SA South 0437 752 458 – http:\/\/standbysupport.com.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Grief and loss<\/h1>\n
GriefLine is Australia\u2019s only dedicated grief helpline service that provides counselling support services free of charge to individuals and families who are experiencing loss and grief \u2013 call 1300 845 745 or visit https:\/\/griefline.org.au\/phone-counselling\/<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
For specific religious or cultural communities<\/h1>\n
Sikh Helpline Australia \u2013 Australia-wide confidential support service for those in the Sikh community where anyone can get help, advice, counselling and information on various personal and professional issues \u2013 call 0401 401 040<\/p>\n
Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline \u2013 Victims services has a dedicated contact link for Aboriginal victims of crime who would like information on victim\u2019s rights, how to access counselling and financial assistance \u2013 call 1800 019 123<\/p>\n
ASK PEACE \u2013 Virtual mental health service for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in South Australia who have been impacted by COVID-19 (interpreters available) \u2013 8245 8110 – https:\/\/www.rasa.org.au\/services\/couples-families\/askpeace\/<\/a><\/p>\n
13YARN \u2013 24\/7 confidential crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – https:\/\/www.13yarn.org.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n
Thirrili – They\u00a0provide emotional and practical support to Indigenous families impacted by a loss from suicide or other fatal traumatic incidents – 1800 805 801 – https:\/\/thirrili.com.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n
Brother to Brother – Crisis line provides phone support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues or who are struggling to cope for other reasons. The line is staffed by Aboriginal men, including Elders, who have a lived experience in the issues that the line offers support for – 1800 435 799 – https:\/\/dardimunwurro.com.au\/brother-to-brother-crisis-line\/<\/a> – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/student-health-and-well-being\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2021\/04\/phone-chat-footer.jpg\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"