Help and Support Resources

NOTE: All 1800 numbers are toll-free, except when the call is made from a mobile phone.

All Emergencies - Ambulance - Fire – Police: Dial - ‘000’

• If an Interpreter is required, ask for one of the services and say which language you would like to speak.
• A telephone Interpreter will be provided to assist.

TTY Emergency Number – to contact the above services - 1800 067 167

Emergency Personal Help

Domestic Violence Line (NSW) - 1800 65 64 63

Lifeline (24 hrs Telephone counselling) - 13 11 14

Poisons Information Services (24 hours) - 13 11 26

KidsNet - 9845 2432

• Children’s Hospital Advice Line for acute or urgent health issues in children

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander

Aboriginal Children’s Service (0 to 8 years)

• Sydney (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) - 9699 9835
• Wagga Wagga (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) - 6921 6369

Aboriginal Homeless People (24 hours) - 9799 8446

Broken Hill Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Legal Service - (08) 8087 6766 or Freecall: 1800 812 800

• Legal advice and casework assistance
• Crisis counselling to victims of family violence and sexual assault
• Assistance and support to victims of sexual assault
• Child protection and support
• Information, support and referral services
• Community awareness and prevention initiatives
• Referral to mediation services
  

Indigenous Women’s Legal Contact Line - 1800 639 784

Mudgin-Gal Koori Women’s Centre – Sydney - 9319 2604

Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre - 9569 3847 Or - 1800 686 587

Women’s Legal Resource Service - Sydney - 9749 5533

• Calls from outside Sydney - 1800 801 501

Accommodation

Aboriginal Homeless People (24 hours) - 9799 8446

Homeless Persons Information Service - 9265 9081 Or - 1800 234 566

• For assistance to find emergency accommodation
• 9am – 10pm 7 days, all year

Women's and Girls Emergency Centre - 9360 5388

Women’s Refuge Resource Centre - 9518 8379

• Women's Refuge Resource Centre Website - links to all NSW Women's Refuges

Youth Accommodation Line (up to 18 years) - 9318 1531 Or - 1800 424 830

Alcohol & Drugs & Gambling

Alcohol & Drug Information Services (24 hours) - 9361 8000 Or - 1800 422 599

G Line Gambling Hotline - 1800 633 635

Children - (Child Protection and Parenting)

Child Abuse Prevention Service (24hrs Help & Advice Line) - 1800 688 009

Commission for Children and Young People - 9286 7276

• For advice, referral and resources
• Commission for Children and Young People Website

DoCS Helpline  - 132 111

• To report actual or suspected abuse or neglect to a child
• For assistance and advice with difficult to handle children
• To report abuse towards a child exposed to domestic and family violence
• To report serious concern for the welfare of any child
• www.community.nsw.gov.au/index_a.htm 
• www.community.nsw.gov.au/html/child_protect/child_protection.htm

Bullying in School and at Home

• Victorian Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre
• www.burstingthebubble.com/
• www.community.nsw.gov.au/index_a.htm

Early Childhood Intervention Info Line - 1300 656 865

• Services for children with delayed development or disabilities

Kids Helpline – 24 hour Advice line for children - 1800 551 800

NAPCAN - 9211 0224

• National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect
• Information and resources only, not a counselling service

Parent Line (Centacare – Provides Confidential help) - 13 20 55

Parent Help Line (Tresillian – Provides Confidential help) - 1800 350 312

Protective Behaviours Program - 9699 3377

• Preventative safety programs for children of all ages
• Protective Behaviours Program Website

Salvation Army Youth Line (24 hours Confidential Help Line) - 9360 3000

Complaints (Relating to Police)

Police Customer Assistance Unit - 1800 622 571

• To report all Concerns, Compliments or Complaints about police
• Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm

Counselling & Support Services

Anglicare (Counselling, Mediation & Family Support Services)

• Ashfield - 9799 9311
• Penrith - 4731 6467
• Wollongong - 4228 9612

Carers NSW – Carers Resource Centre - 9299 1499 - 1800 242 636

Centacare (Counselling, Mediation & Family Support Services)

• Administration - 9390 5377
• For Counselling - 9390 5366

Centrelink (Federal Government)

• Appointments - 13 10 21
• Assistance for Isolated Children - 13 23 18
• Childcare - 13 21 24
• Family & Parenting Payments - 13 61 50
• Multilingual Service - 13 12 02

Credit Help Line (Advice Line) - 1800 808 488

Domestic Violence Line (NSW) - 1800 65 64 63

• A 24hr - 7 days a week telephone support
• Assistance and referral line for all victims of family violence in emergency situations.
• DoCS Domestic Violence Line Website.

Family Information Service - 1800 049 956

Financial Planning Association of Australia (Advice Line) - 1800 626 393

Health Line - 1300 658 886

• Family Planning Association
• Advice on Family Planning, Reproductive and Sexual Issues

Gay, Lesbian & Transgender

• Gay & Lesbian Counselling Service - 1800 184 527
• (4pm-midnight, 7 days)

Interrelate (NSW Central Office) - 9745 5544

• Counselling, Mediation & Family Support Services

Lifecare (NSW Central Office) - 9708 2088

• Counselling, Mediation & Family Support Services

Lifeline (Telephone counselling) - 13 11 14

Lone Parent Family Support Service (Advice & Counselling) - 9982 5500

Parent Line (Centacare) (Confidential help) - 13 20 55

Parent Help Line (Tresillian) (Confidential help) - 1800 350 312

Regarding Criminal Justice Support Network (a service of IDRS Inc.)

• Our 24/7, state-wide service number is 1399 665 908
• We are a state-wide support service for people with an intellectual
  disability. We have a 24/7 helpline to contact us to organise a support
  person when an officer needs to speak to or interview person with an
  intellectual disability ( who are considered vulnerable.)

Relationships Australia (NSW) - 9418 8800 Or (toll free) - 1300 364 277

• Relationships Australia Website
• NSW - www.relationships.com.au/where-we-are/nsw 
• By phoning this number, your call will automatically be directed to the nearest Relationships Australia office in your area.
• Online counselling is also available at: www.relationshiphelponline.com.au

NSW Contact List for Offices of Relationships Australia

Rural & Regional Support – ‘Countrylink’ 1800 026 222 

• Federal Government Rural Services Program

Rural Women’s Network - 6391 3620 Or - 1800 814 647

Salvation Army (Support, Counselling & Assistance) - 9331 6000

Salvo Crisis Line & Suicide Prevention (24 hour Telephone Help) - 9331 2000

St Vincent de Paul (Family Support, Counselling & Assistance)

• Sydney Offices - 9698 9864 Or - 9698 1529

The Deli Women & Children's Centre - 9667 4664

• Website - www.thedeli.org.au
• 'The Deli Women & Children’s Centre is a family support service, specialising in domestic violence service provision. We provide counselling, groups and family support services to women and children, particularly those who have experienced domestic violence.'

UNIFAM (Family Support, Counselling & Assistance)

• Sydney Office - 9261 4077
• Parramatta Office - 9891 1628

Violence Against Women Confidential Hotline - 1800 200 526

• The National Help, Counselling & Referral Service
• 'Australia Says No' campaign

Court Assistance

Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme

A support scheme funded by NSW Legal Aid:

Can help women get an ADVO. Support Workers from the Scheme will explain the how and why of ADVOs and stopping domestic violence; tell you what will happen in court; go with you to court to support you and tell you about other organisations that can help you. For contact details for the 33 Schemes located across rural and metropolitan NSW visit the link:

• Legal Aid Website

Click here too download a copy of the Brochure "Domestic Violence Help with Going to Court" (available in 15 languages).

Disability

Domestic Violence Line (24 hours) - 1800 65 64 63

Victims Support Line (24 hours) - 9374 3000 Or - 1800 633 063

Drugs

(See Alcohol, Drugs & Gambling)

Elder Abuse & Information for Senior Citizens

Aged Care Assessment Teams

ACATS help older people and their carers work out what kind of care will best meet their needs when they are no longer able to manage at home without assistance. ACATs provide information on suitable care options and can help arrange access or referral to appropriate residential or community care services such as Home and Community Care (HACC).

For contact details of your local ACAT

• Commonwealth Carelink Centre - 1800 052 222
• Aged Care Information Line - 1800 500 853
• www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/Publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-acat-assess.htm
• Information Sheet 1 - Aged Care Assessment Teams - This fact sheet explains the role of Aged Care Assessment Teams for older people, their families, friends and carers.

Department of Aging, Disability & Homecare

• NSW Central Office - 8270 2000
• TTY – (For people who hearing impaired) - 8270 2167

For all information and contact details for services, go to the following links -

• www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au
• Aboriginal Service Outlet Locations
• Home Care Service Area and Regional Office Locations
• Home Care Services Customer feedback and complaints
• Home Care Services Ethnic Phone Contact Numbers

The Older Persons' Legal Service (a service of The Aged-care Rights Service)

Provides free legal advice and assistance for older people in a range of areas of law.

Tel: 9281 3600 (Sydney) 1800 424 079 (Toll-free)
Website: www.tars.com.au

Older Women's Network (For Advice, Help and Support) - 9247 7046

• Older Women's Network Website

Seniors Information Service (For Advice, Help and Support) - 13 12 44 TTY - 1800 806 830

Telecross - 9229 4222

• Daily contact service for elderly people to check that they are alright.

Family Court and Law

• Click here for all contact details, information, forms, procedures and links to the Federal Magistrates Courts and Family Court.

Domestic Violence Advocacy Service - 9637 3741

Financial Assistance & Consumer Services

Centrelink (Federal Government)

• Appointments - 13 10 21
• Assistance for Isolated Children - 13 23 18
• Childcare - 13 21 24
• Family & Parenting Payments - 13 61 50
• Multilingual Service - 13 12 02

Credit Help Line (Advice Line) - 1800 808 488

Housing

(See Accommodation)

Interpreting Services

Telephone Interpreting Service - 13 14 50

National Relay Service - 13 36 77 Or 1800 555 677

If you have a hearing impairment and need an interpreter, you can contact the National Relay Service who will call the Telephone Interpreting Service on your behalf.

Legal Help

If you need legal assistance, you can call these numbers:

Domestic Violence Advocacy Service  - 9637 3741 Or - 1800 810 784 Or TTY - 1800 626 267

• Domestic Violence Advocacy Service Website

Law Access NSW - 1300 888 529

Provides free telephone legal information, assistance and referrals to people in NSW who have a legal problem.

• LawAccess NSW Website

Community Legal Centres

• Community Legal Centres Website

Men - Information for Male Perpetrators and Victims

Accommodation

Homeless Persons Information Service - 9265 9081 Or - 1800 234 566

• 9am – 10pm 7 days, all year

Mensline (24 hours) - 1300 78 99 78

• Support, Information and Referral

St Vincent de Paul Society - 9690 1724

• Mens Self Help Family Safety Program
• Family Safety & Welfare Centre

Violence Against Women Confidential Hotline - 1800 200 526

• The National Help, Counselling & Referral Service for Perpetrators and Victims of Violence in Relationships
• 'Australia Says No' campaign

Youth Accommodation Line (up to 18 years) - 9318 1531 Or - 1800 424 830

Migrant & Refugee

DIMIA - Dept of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs

• All Enquiries - 13 18 81
• Community Refugee Settlement Scheme - 13 18 81

Immigrant Women’s Speakout Association - 9635 8022

Refugee Council of Australia - 9211 9333

Translating & Interpreting Service - 131 450

Police

Police Emergency - 000

Police Assistance Line – For all General Enquiries - 131 444

• If you live in New South Wales and want to talk to the Police about a crime, you can ring the Police Assistance Line.

For Interstate Callers to NSW Police - 1800 725 631

Crime Stoppers for Reporting Non-Urgent Crime (24 hours) - 1800 333 000

• Reporting non-urgent and suspected criminal activity
• You can report anonomously

Firearms Registry

• Customer Service Line on 1300 362 562

Rural, Regional & Remote Rural Women

Contact Countrylink - 1800 026 222 (Federal Government country services)

Rural Women’s Network - 6391 3620 Or - 1800 814 647

Seniors

(See Elder Abuse)

Sexual Assault/Rape

NSW Rape Crisis Centre - 9819 6565 Or - 1800 424 017

NSW Rape Crisis Centre is a state-wide 24 hour telephone crisis, support and referral service for women who have experienced sexual violence. If you live in Sydney, call them to discuss your situation.

Dympna House, Child Sexual Assault and Incest Service  - 9797 6733 Or - 1800 654 119 Or TTY - 9716 5100
(For callers who have a hearing impairment)

• Click here for information about Date Rape.

Victims of Crime

Victims Support Line (24 hours) - 8688 5400 Or - 1800 633 063 Or TTY - 8688 5575

• The Victims Support Line also provides 24 hour information, referral and support to victims of domestic and family violence as well as all other crimes.
• You can also receive support and counselling under the Victims Services Approved Counselling Scheme.

General Victims Support

• Victims Support Line staff can provide confidential emotional support, in addition to practical information on how to access the approved Counselling Scheme, or how to access other groups and services that may assist you in your recovery.
• Victims Support Line staff will also give you information on your rights as a victim of crime. 
• All support and information can be provided in community languages via an interpreter or by using the TTY machine.
• Victims Services Website for more information about the counselling scheme and application forms.

Witness Assistance Service - 9285 8949 Or - 1800 814 534
(Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions)

Youth

Aboriginal Children's Services (24 hours)  - 9698 2222

Emergency Youth Accommodation (24 hours)  - 9267 5918 Or - 1800 424 830

Kids Help Line (24 hours) - 1800 551 800

• If you are between the ages of 5-18 years and you want to talk to someone you can ring the Kids Help Line.  It is a Free Call, except when made from a mobile phone.

Kids Help Line (Lifeline 24 hours) - 13 11 14

Parentline (Centacare) - 13 02 55

Protection and Family Crisis Services (24 hours)  - 1800 066 777

Salvation Army Youth Line (24 hours) - 9360 3000