COVID-19: 
Family and Carer supports
A range of supports are available for family members, carers and supporters of Forensicare consumers.
Our Family and Carer consultants can help you navigate the forensic mental health service system. You can contact the team on 9495 9100 or at familyandcarers@forensicare.vic.gov.au.
Consultants can also speak to you about carer support funding that can assist with maintaining contact with your loved one.
Family and carer mental health and wellbeing support organisations
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers.
Free call: 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Carers Victoria is the statewide voice for family carers, representing and providing support to carers in Victoria.
Free call: 1800 514 845
Email: reception@carersvictoria.org.au
Mind Australia provides counselling and peer support, respite and support groups for people caring for someone with mental health and wellbeing concerns.
Phone: 1300 554 660
Email: carers@mindaustralia.org.au
SANE offers free digital and telehealth support services for people over 18 years of age with complex mental health needs, their family, friends and carers.
Support line: 1800 187 263 Monday to Friday 10am-8pm. Free counselling Monday to Friday 12pm- 6pm
Email: info@sane.org.au
Tandem provides support for family, carers and supporters of people with mental health challenges.
Support and referral line: 1800 314 325 Monday to Friday 9am – 5 pm.
Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC)
SHARC offers the Family Drug and Gambling Help service that provides practical help, information and support to families and friends affected by someone’s drinking, drug use or gambling.
Family drug and gambling helpline (24/7) 1300 660 068
Wellways provides support for people living with mental health issues or who have mental health concerns to develop coping strategies and recover in their community.
Phone: 1300 111 400
Email: enquiries@wellways.org
Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect
Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres provide families, carers and supporters of all ages with the vital networks they need to keep caring for their loved one while still looking after their own wellbeing.
Support is free, and no referral is needed to access a Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centre. They can be accessed in-person without an appointment or via phone or online booking.
Support for children and young people affected by the justice system.
Phone: (02) 9714 3000
Satellite’s programs are for children and young people aged 8-25 years who have a family member living with mental health challenges. This includes young people in families experiencing challenges with substance use, family conflict or violence, complex trauma, or other adverse life circumstances.
Phone: 1800 973 444
Email: hello@satellitefoundation.org.au
Little Dreamers
Supporting young people aged 4 to 25 who provide care for a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, addiction or frail age.
Phone: 1800 717 515
Emergency supports
Beyond Blue helps all people in Australia achieve their best possible mental health.
Counselling line (24/7): 1300 224 636
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Crisis support service (24/7): 13 11 14
Language translation service available
Specialist supports
Rainbow Door is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, BrotherBoys, SisterGirls) helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family.
Phone: 1800 729 367 Every day 10am to 5pm
Email: support@rainbowdoor.org.au
SMS: 0408 017 246
Better Place offers a host of support services, from mental health counselling and elder abuse prevention to parenting plans, financial and relationship counselling and more.
Phone: 1800 639 523
MensLine Australia is a free phone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere – anytime.
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Family Violence supports
For anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence.
Phone: 1800 015 188 (24/7)
Webchat available Monday to Friday 9am to midnight.
Available free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
Phone: 1800 737 732
Help for people who are experiencing family violence or who need support with the care and wellbeing of children and young people.
Provides services, programs and responses to family violence in migrant and refugee communities.
Phone: 1800 755 988 9am to 5pm
Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450 for assistance to connect with 1800 RESPECT or Safe Steps (24/7)
Support for First Nations people
Yarning SafeNStrong (YSNS) is available to people and families who need to have a yarn with someone about their wellbeing.
Phone: 1800 959 563 (24/7)
The 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.
Phone: 1800 435 799 (24/7)
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