When you need some extra support and care, there are government and community services that may be able to support you, depending on your needs.
Financial hardship
National Debt Helpline1800 007 007
Offers independent free and confidential services from professional financial counsellors to help you tackle your debt problems.
Way Forward1300 045 502
A not-for-profit organisation that helps people facing long-term financial hardship manage their debts and debt negotiation where you have debts at multiple lenders.
AskIzzy A website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and much more.
Foodbank
Foodbank is the pantry to the charity sector, linking surplus food and groceries to people in need.
Domestic and family violence
1800RESPECT1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 or online chat
Confidential telephone and online counselling for those impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
QLife (LGBTIQ+)1800 184 527
Telephone and online counselling service for LGBTIQ+ individuals impacted by domestic and family violence.
Good Shepherd1300 050 150
Free, confidential, ongoing support for people who have experienced financial abuse to feel more confident with money and plan for the future.
Older Australians
Elder abuse phone line 1800 ELDERHelp1800 353 374
Free call phone number that automatically redirects callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse with the relevant service in their state or territory.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission1800 951 822
Provides a free service for anyone to raise their concerns about the quality of care or services being delivered to people receiving aged-care services.
Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA) EAAA’s knowledge hub, Compass, has information and resources for older Australians and the broader community.
Online safety: Be Connected An Australian government initiative committed to building the confidence, digital skills and online safety of older Australians.
You Decide Who Decides A guide for customers about making an enduring power of attorney for financial decisions.
Family & relationships
Relationships Australia1300 364 277
Offers a broad range of relationship support services to individuals, families and communities throughout the country.
Better Place Australia1800 639 523
Better Place Australia is a community-focused not-for-profit organisation with a growing range of psychological and community support services.
Carer Gateway1800 422 737
Carer Gateway’s website and call centre is an entry point for carers to access practical information and advice, online supports, and services in their local area.
ASIC - Money Smart
Providing you with tools to help you manage your money, plan, invest, or pay off debt.
Services Australia
Information on Government initiatives and payments such as Centrelink, Medicare, Child Care.
Senior Rights Service1800 424 079
Protects the rights of older people in NSW. Provides telephone advice, advocacy, legal advice and educational services.
Community Legal Centres Australia
Community Legal Centres Australia’s website contains links to state-based community legal centres. Community Legal Centres Australia does not provide direct legal services to members of the public.
Family Violence Law Help Provides advice on domestic and family violence and the law in Australia.
National Legal Aid National Legal Aid’s website contains contact details for a legal aid commission in your state or territory. National Legal Aid does not provide legal advice.
Women’s Legal Service Australia Peak organisation for Community Legal Centres specialising in women’s legal issues. You can find women’s legal services in your area on their website.
Australian Red Cross1800 733 276
Provides help and support to refugees, people seeking asylum, people in immigration detention, and other people who are vulnerable as a result of migration.
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)131 450 Provides an interpreting service for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.
Australian Government Emergency Information Line180 22 66
Help for people directly affected by a natural disaster event, such as fire, storms, or floods, in disaster-declared areas.
Health Direct1800 022 222
Contact Health Direct to speak with a registered nurse or locate a general practitioner.
Capacity Australia0400 319 089
Provides free education and information sessions on advocacy services for older people and those with disabilities, such as rights and responsibilities within the aged-care and community-care sectors.
Dementia Australia1800 100 500
Advocates for people living with all types of dementia, and for their families and carers. Provides support services, education and information.
Palliative Care Australia
Palliative Care Australia’s website has a National Palliative Care Service Directory where you can find palliative care providers near you.