Drought support services

This can help if:

• you’re feeling stressed, worried or upset about the drought

• you want to know what support services are available for people affected by drought

• you want to connect your teenagers to drought support services

Drought can make you feel feel stressed, worried and uncertain about the future. It can be tough for the whole family and this can make it hard to focus on your own needs. However, looking after yourself will put you in the best place to support your family and community. As well as this, there are some really great services that can help your teenager directly. We’ve put together a list of support services that can help you to look after yourself and connect your loved ones to the best possible support.

National

Better access to mental health services

People who live in rural and remote areas can now access all 10 Medicare ­supported psychology consultations over the phone or via video call. In the past, you had to go into town (or even further) for at least three out of 10 consultations. You’ll still need to head to your GP to access your Mental Health Plan, but this change will make it much easier to get the help you need.

ReachOut Parents One-on-One Support

We offer one-on-one support sessions where parents can explore any concerns they have with their teenager and create an action plan to see real results. The service is free, personalised and available both online and over the phone.

Head to Health

An Australian Government website that helps you find the information, resources, and services that most suit your mental health needs.

Virtual Psychologist

SMS: 0488 807 266

Email: admin@virtualpsychologist.com.au

This service offers 24/7 psychological support to drought affected farmers in remote areas via SMS, email, online chat and where required, face to face counselling on farming properties.

Are You Bogged Mate?

This website helps country blokes to talk about mental health and suicide while spreading awareness about depression in the bush.

ifarmwell

A website designed by Aussie farmers that provides practical tips for coping with difficult circumstances, thoughts and feelings.

Farm Household Allowance

The Farm Household Allowance provides financial assistance to eligible farmers and their partners through planning, training and income support. Contact the Farmer Assistance Hotline (13 23 16) to find out how to apply.

Rural Financial Counselling Service

The Rural Financial Counselling Service program is a free service for farmers experiencing financial hardship. Visit the website to find your nearest financial counsellor or phone 1800 686 175.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides drought affected farmers with grocery vouchers and cash grants.

Lifeline

Phone: 13 11 14

Call Lifeline's 24/7, confidential crisis support service to speak to trained volunteers if you're in a crisis or thinking about suicide. The Lifeline website provides online crisis support from 8pm to midnight, 7 days per week.

For your teen:

ReachOut Drought Care Package

The ReachOut Youth site has heaps of great resources to help young people cope with stress from the drought.

Headspace

Call: 1800 650 890

Headspace is a free and confidential service for young people, with online and phone support. They can connect your teenager with qualified and experienced youth mental health professionals.

Kids Helpline

Call: 1800 551 800

The Kids Helpline is a 24/7 confidential support and counselling service specifically for kids aged five to 25 years. Counselling can be provided online or over the telephone.

Beyondblue Support Service

Call: 1300 224 636

24/7 confidential telephone and chat support, counselling and referrals from trained mental health professionals.

NSW

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP)

Call: 02 6363 8444

Rural Adversity Mental Health Coordinators provide info and support for people living in the rural areas they cover. There are 14 coordinators based across NSW. Visit the RAMPH website (http://www.ramhp.com.au/find­ramhp­coordinator/) to find your nearest RAMHP coodinator and to access self­-help resources.

NSW Mental Health Line

Call: 1800 011 511

24/7 telephone service staffed by mental health clinicians. They can provide advice about symptoms, the urgency of the need for care and info about where to get more help.

NSW Rural Mental Health Support Line

Call: 1800 201 123

State­wide service support and counselling for people in rural NSW.

The WayAhead Directory

An online database that can help you to find nearby services, make referrals and access detailed info about mental health.

NSW Government Financial Assistance

The NSW Government provides a range of services and support for drought-affected communities. Check out this page for more information.

QLD

Queensland Mental Health Telephone Triage Service

Call: 1300 642255

A 24/7 telephone service that provides the first point of contact to QLD public mental health services.

Country Call Back

A 24/7 telephone support service that offers targeted emotional support to rural Queenslanders affected by drought. They’ll call you back to give you extra support and check that you’re doing okay.

Flying Doctor Drought Wellbeing Service

The Royal Flying Doctor Service offers counselling and support to Queenslanders living and working in drought­ affected rural and remote areas. They can also link you with a mental health professional via telephone.

Queensland Government Financial Assistance

The QLD Government offers a number of programs to help QLD farmers through the drought. Find details here.

WA

Mental Health Emergency Response Line

Call: 1300 555 788 (Metro)

Call: 1800 676 822 (Peel)

24/7 telephone service that will connect you to mental health professionals.

Rurallink

Call: 1800 552 002

Mental health telephone service for people in rural communities of Western Australia. Available 4.30pm­ - 8:30am Monday to Friday and 24 hours Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Samaritans Crisis Line

Call: 135 247

Youth line: 08 9388 2500

Country callers: 1800 198 313

24/7 telephone crisis support for people experiencing distress across Western Australia.

SA

The Rural and Remote Distance Consultation and Emergency Triage and Liaison Service

Call: 13 14 65

24/7 telephone service that can help with admin, info, assessment and referral for mental health concerns.

South Australian Government Assistance

The SA government offers a number of programs to help drought-affected SA communities. Find the support you need here.

VIC

Psychiatric triage

Call: 1300 874 243

24/7 telephone service that can help with admin, info, assessment and referral for mental health concerns.

Victorian Government Assistance

The VIC Government provides a number of programs to help you and your family through the drought. Check out the range of support available here.

TAS

Tasmanian Mental Health Service Helpline

Call: 1800 332 388

24/7 telephone service that can help with admin, info, assessment and referral for mental health concerns

RAW (Rural Alive & Well Inc.)

Call: 1300 HELP MATE (1300 4357 6283)

A not-­for-­profit organisation that provides free and confidential outreach support for rural Tasmanians. RAW outreach workers can come to you, or you can talk on the phone. They can provide information, give support and link you to other services.

NT

NT Mental Health Line

Call: 1800 682 288

24/7 telephone service that can help with admin, information, assessment and referral for mental health concerns.

ACT

ACT Mental Health Triage

Call: 1800 629 354

24/7 telephone service that can help with admin, information, assessment and referral for mental health concerns.