Websites and Phone Numbers for People living in Drought Affected Communities. Last updated 03-08-2010


Websites to assist maintenance of mental health and well being:

Depression:

• http://www.ruokday.com.au  R U OK? - is an organisation committed to the prevention of suicide. 

• www.beyondblue.org.au – beyondblue - interactive checklist on depression, antenatal and postnatal depression, treatments, where to get help and helping someone with depression.

• www.blackdoginstitute.org.au – information on depression (including during and after pregnancy) looking at causes, treatments, symptoms, getting help and current research.

• www.bluepages.anu.edu.au - provides information re depression for consumers including symptoms, treatment, help and resources, online prevention and blueboard - a chat room to share experiences.

• www.crufad.org – Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety Disorders (CRUfAD) - information about depression and its management.

• www.depressionnet.com.au – Depression Net is an online resource for people living with depression and their families and friends including a chat room and bulletin board.

• www.lifeline.org.au/find_help/info_service/toolkits - self help information including Tool Kits for, “Help when you’re feeling down” and “Beating the blues”.  

• www.uq.edu.au/health/ -The On Track (free) program supports people who have been depressed to keep them “on track” and become more active and healthy.

• www.climate.tv – interactive e-health, developed by medical experts, this is a self management system for people with depression.

• www.sane.org – SANE Australia – mental health related information, tips and online help.

• www.moodsa.info – Mood Disorder Association – information of types of mood disorders, related services and links.

• http://dmda.mentalhealth.asn.au/supgrp.htm - Depression and Mood Disorder Association – provides mood disorder related information eg: depression.

• www.at-ease.dva.gov.au – Dept. of Veterans Affairs – aims to assist veteran community to recognize possible signs, take appropriate action and assume more responsibility for their health and well being. At Ease Fact sheets include “About Mental Health”, “Beat Depression” and “Debunking the Myths.” 

• www.grow.net – GROW- for people recovering from depression, anxiety or mental or emotional information on how to get involved with a range of activities.

• www.moodgym.anu.edu.au –MoodGYM – an interactive web-based program that delivers cognitive behavioural therapy for the prevention of depression.

• www.grieflink.asn.au – SA website for National Association for Loss and Grief – information on counselling, support services, seminars, publications and links for people who are experiencing grief following the loss of someone close to them.

• www.panda.org.au –Post and Antenatal Depression Association Inc. (PANDA) –Provides information to women and their families affected by the antenatal and postnatal mood disorders includes causes, symptoms and types of treatment.

Perinatal (Antenatal and Postnatal) Depression

• www.beyondblue.org.au – beyondblue - interactive checklist on depression, antenatal and postnatal depression, treatments, where to get help and helping someone with depression.

• www.blackdoginstitute.org.au – information on depression (including during and after pregnancy) looking at causes, treatments, symptoms, getting help and current research.

• www.panda.org.au –Post and Antenatal Depression Association Inc. (PaNDa) –Provides information to women and their families affected by the antenatal and postnatal mood disorders includes causes, symptoms and types of treatment.

• www.nqpostnataldistress.com –The North Queensland Postnatal Distress Support Group (NQPNNDG) – information on the causes of PND and recovery patterns. Provides information and contact details for the North Queensland Postnatal Distress Support Group and other related services in the area. 

• www.posie.org.au – Posie – Information on the causes, symptoms and effects of post and antenatal depression and information about available services.

• www.karitane.com.au – Karitane – information on parenting children, a section on managing postnatal depression and details of support services for new parents.

• www.tresillian.net- Tresillian – Information on parenting children and details of support services for new parents. 

• www.goodbeginnings.net.au – Good Beginnings – information on parenting children and details of support services for new parents.

Anxiety Disorders:

• www.beyondblue.org.au – beyondblue - information on anxiety and related substance abuse disorders, available treatments and where to get help.

• www.arcvic.com.au – Anxiety Recovery Centre – information about anxiety disorders, management and links.

• www.pada.org.au – The Panic Anxiety Disorder Association - information on anxiety and depression (including postnatal depression) related research and publications.

• www.socialanxiety.com.au – Social Anxiety Australia – information on social anxiety and panic attacks, first-hand accounts from people living with these conditions and links.

http://www.ultimatecoupons.com/The-Anxiety-Resource-Page.html  – Anxiety Disorders Alliance – information on anxiety disorders, related resources and support groups.

• www.schizophrenia.org.au – provides accurate, current information on illnesses (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and psychosis) for consumers, carers, clinicians and the general public.

• www.sane.org.au – SANE Australia - focus on campaigning, education and research for a better life for people affected by mental illness. Also offers Online Helpline service. 

• www.beyondblue.org.au – beyondblue - interactive checklist on bipolar disorder, treatments and where to get help.

• www.blackdoginstitute.org.au – provides resources to photocopy and handout on bipolar disorder.

• www.moodsa.info – Mood Disorder Association – information of types of mood disorders (including bipolar disorder), related services and links.

• http://dmda.mentalhealth.asn.au/supgrp.htm - Depression and Mood Disorder Association – provides mood disorder related information eg: bipolar disorder.

• www.evenkeel.org.au –Even Keel- information on mood disorder-related conditions (eg: bipolar disorder, phobias), issues and links.

Young people - up to 25 years:

• www.theline.gov.au - Website for information on where to draw the line in relationships and how to maintain healthy relationships. Topics: sexting, texting, facebook, respect, bullying

• www.ybblue.com.au –beyondblue’s youth website: the national depression initiative. Focussing on depression, anxiety and substance use related disorders, this site is aimed specifically at young people and provides information, tips, personal stories and links. 

• www.beyondblue.org.au – beyondblue- several fact sheets for young people on depression including “Antidepressants for the treatment of depression in children and adolescents” and where to get help. 

• www.kidshelpline.com.au – online counselling for young people.

• www.reachout.com.au – information to help young people through tough times.

• www.headspace.org.au – information and support for 12-25 age group (and parents and carers) re mental health and/or substance abuse issues. 

• www.headroom.net.au – mental health information for young people, children, adolescents, parents, teachers and professionals in SA. 

• www.onyourmind.net – provides information and support for teens around suicide.

• www.mindnet.org.nz – MindNet- Self Harm; an information booklet for young people who self harm and those who care for them.

• www.livesmart.net.au - Live Smart is where young people can find information in 6 languages to get by in the real world.
From budgeting to public transport, your health to mobile phones, Live Smart aims to provide you with the information you need. A multilingual information website providing tips to young people about managing their money, mood, meals and what they do with their mates.
Features an interactive budget tool, downloadable tip sheets in 5 languages & media files so young people can learn from the experience of their peers.

Aboriginal and Torrens Strait Islander people:

• www.vibe.com.au – Vibe Australia – National information about location of Aboriginal Medical Services. 

• www.cuzcongress.com.au – Cuz Congress – includes links to a range of primary health care services as well as on line and phone services.

• www.indigenous.gov.au – Indigenous Portal – providing access to Indigenous services and information located on government internet sites.

• www.lifeline.org.au/find_help/info_service/toolkits - emotional well-being tool kits for indigenous communities including, “Help when you are feeling down,” “Coping with sorrow, loss and grief”, “Aboriginal suicide information.” 



Culturally and Linguistically Diverse People:

• www.mmha.org.au – Multicultural Mental Health Australia – mental health information translated into many languages, community resources, education aids and research. Also links to mental health services, including state based transcultural mental health centres.

• www.beyondblue.org.au – beyondblue- In partnership with Multicultural Mental Health Australia has provided information about depression in 27 languages. TV, radio and print ads/posters are available in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Greek, Italian, Polish and Vietnamese.

• www.quitnow.info.au –National Tobacco Campaign – provides advice and assistance to smokers who want to quit the habit in Greek, Italian, Arabic, Turkish, Chinese, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese.

• www.asthmaaustralia.org.au – Asthma Foundations of Australia – information support and advice for people with asthma in Arabic, Croatian, Greek, Italian, Korean, Macedonian, Serbian, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Turkish and Vietnamese.

• www.diabetesaustralia.com.au – Diabetes Australia – information sheets about diabetes in Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Malaysian, Serbian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.



Suicide Prevention and support:

• www.lifeline.org.au – Lifeline - Links and a search facility that directs you to your local Lifeline centre. 

• www.lifeline.org.au/find_help/info_service/toolkits - self help information including Tool kits for “Helping someone at risk of suicide” and “Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Information.” 

• www.suicidehelpline.org.au – Victorian based helpline but has helpful information re why a person becomes suicidal, how to help someone who is suicidal, coping with a suicide death and understanding self harm. 

• www.supportaftersuicide.org.au –provides comprehensive and relevant information for GPs and their patients who are bereaved by suicide. It features Information sheets eg: “Suicide and Grief”, “Understanding Suicide”, “Children and Grief”, “Guidelines for Adults with suicide bereaved children”, “Young People and Grief”, “Responding to Trauma” and “Supporting a suicide bereaved person”. Available from mid July 2008.

• www.suicideprevention.salvos.org.au QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is web based 1 hour gatekeeper course for anyone to learn to, Understand the myths and facts about suicide, Recognize some of the warning signs of suicide, Apply the QPR approach to suicide prevention and Offer hope and support to people at risk of suicide and their families. Cost involved. Certificate of Achievement and booklet included.

• www.gu.edu.au/aisrap - Australian Institute for Suicidal Research and Prevention (AISRAP). Promotes, conducts and supports comprehensive research activities for the prevention of suicide.

• www.suicidepreventionaust.org.au – Suicide Prevention Australia. National umbrella body and public health advocate in suicide prevention.

• www.onyourmind.net – provides information and support for teens around suicide.

• www.mindnet.org.nz – MindNet- Self Harm; an information booklet for young people who self harm and those who care for them.

• www.ACROSSNET.net.au – Australians Creating Rural Online Support Systems (ACROSSNET) – aims to help members of rural and remote communities to access information, education and support re suicide and its prevention.

• www.livingisforeveryone.com.au – Information and support packs produced as part of the Living is for Everyone kit.  

• www.mindframe-media.info – Reporting Suicide and Mental Illness, practical advice and information to support the work of media professionals.

Support for Carers of People with a Mental Illness:

• www.arafmiaaustralia.asn.au – ARAFMI provides support, advocacy and education for families and friends of people with a mental illness or disorder.

• www.lifeline.org.au/find_help/info_service/toolkits - self help information including Tool kits for “Carers of people with a mental illness.” “Beyond suicide attempts” (information for parents, foster parents and guardians following the suicide attempt of a young person) is also available.

• www.carersaustralia.com.au – Carers Australia – the latest information, research, policies and services for people caring for someone with a disability including mental illness. 

• www.sane.org – SANE Australia – mental health related information, tips and online help for people affected including families and friends.

• www.itsallright.org – itsallright – information and links to help and support young people who have a friend who has a mental illness. 

• www.nnaami.org – National Network of Adult and Adolescent Children who have a Mentally Ill parent – the site is run by a group of people who have experienced life with a mentally ill parent and provide mutual assistance to others in the same situation.

• www.beyondblue.org.au – beyondblue - Several Fact sheets available including “How can you help someone with depression?”(includes practical tips and a list of DOs and DON’Ts), “Living with and caring for a person with depression,” “Depression in older people,” “Bipolar disorder” and “Anxiety disorders” and “Antidepressants for the treatment of depression in children and adolescents”(for parents and carers).

• www.at-ease.dva.gov.au – Dept. of Veterans Affairs – provides information on common mental health problems and services available to veterans and their families. It includes the following “At Ease” Fact Sheets, “About Mental Health”, “Alcohol and Mental Health”, “Beat Anxiety”, “Beat Depression”, “Debunking the Myths” and “Families and Friends.” 

• www.centrelink.gov.au – Centrelink – information on how people with mental illness and their carers can get the support they are entitled to including sickness allowance, disability support and psychological treatment.

• www.mindnet.org.nz – MindNet- Self Harm; an information booklet for young people who self harm and those who care for them.

• www.ren.intereach.com.au - A respite-specific education, training and information sharing portal for carers and respite service providers in the Riverina Murray region.

Chronic physical illness:

• http://www.biansw.org.au - The Brain Injury Association of New South Wales is the only statewide organisation in NSW dedicated to serving all persons affected by acquired brain injury—those with acquired brain injuries, family members, friends, professionals, and the broader community.

• www.asthmaaustralia.org.au – Asthma Foundations of Australia – information, advice, education, counselling and support for people with asthma.

• www.diabetesaustralia.com.au – Diabetes Australia – information about diabetes.

• www.diabetescounselling.com.au – Diabetes Counselling On Line – on line counselling re diabetes.

• www.nbcf.org.au – National Breast Cancer Foundation – information on breast cancer.

• www.prostate.org.au – Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia – information on prostate cancer.

• www.cancer.org.au – The Cancer Council Australia – information about cancer.

• www.strokefoundation.com.au – National Stroke Foundation – information on stroke.

• http://www.asbestos.com - The Mesothelioma Center is an up to date resource on mesothelioma statistics and is devoted to increasing mesothelioma awareness. With more than 3,000 pages of content, our site features information on asbestos, mesothelioma, and other cancers that are caused by asbestos exposure (lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, etc.)

Information, Education and Advocacy:

• www.visioncarensw.com.au - The mission of VisionCare NSW is to provide responsive, efficient and cost effective delivery of quality-assured visual aids to those in need throughout the state of NSW.

• http://www.everydaywithadhd.com.au - information, support for parents with children with ADHD 

• www.friendlyfaces.info  - Provides information for rural families who travel to the city for treatment. You'll find information about affordable accommodation, parking, cafes & restaurants, supermarkets, petrol stations, florists, newsagents, hair salons and many more of the services you may find yourself looking for. It also includes links to support networks like Ronald McDonald House, Angel Flight etc. 

• www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/pubsonline - Publications online: New brochures, fact sheets and information kits. Translations in 30 languages

• www.ausienet.com- Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health provides up to date resources re activities for the promotion, prevention and early intervention re mental health issues.

• www.amhcn.com.au – Australian Mental Health Consumer Network – information about what consumers (people living with mental illnesses) as well as links to arrange of consumer related resources.

• www.mhfa.com.au – Mental Health First Aid Training equips someone to assist a person developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis until appropriate professional treatment is received or crisis resolved. 

• www.commcarelink.health.gov.au – Commonwealth Carelink – information on community aged care, disability and other support services available locally, interstate or anywhere in Australia.

• www.goodbeginnings.net.au – Good Beginnings – information on parenting children and details of support services for new parents.

• www.pspflag.asn.au – Parents Supporting Parents Flag - information and support for parents of gay, lesbian and bisexual people.

• www.abs.gov.au – Australian Bureau of Statistics.

• www.cmha.ca/mh_toolkit -Mental Health Promotion Toolkit – a practical resource for community initiatives.

• www.indigenous.gov.au – Indigenous Portal – providing access to Indigenous services and information located on government internet sites.

• www.gu.edu.au/aisrap - Australian Institute for Suicidal Research and Prevention (AISRAP). Promotes, conducts and supports comprehensive research activities for the prevention of suicide.

• www.suicidepreventionaust.org.au – Suicide Prevention Australia. National umbrella body and public health advocate in suicide prevention.

• www.healthinsite.gov.au – HealthInsite- resources and links to information about mental health services for people living in rural and remote areas of Australia.

• www.mulganet.net.au – Mulga Net- network for information and resource sharing for mental and allied health professionals, GPs, community workers, nurses, researchers and those working closely with clinicians in rural communities.

• www.justask.org.au – Lifeline’s Just Ask- information about mental health and other related issues.

• www.justlook.org.au – Lifeline’s Just Look- comprehensive online national database of low cost or free health and community services throughout Australia.

• www.glcc.org.au – Gay and Lesbian Counselling and Community Services of Australia provides information and links to counselling services for gay and lesbian people throughout Australia. Provides phone numbers for each state. 


Drug and Alcohol Services:

• www.ruoverit.com.au - R U Over It -Weblink that provides drinkers with the knowledge/skills to calculate when they will become alcohol free.

• www.counsellingonline.org.au – online drug and alcohol counselling for users and others affected by alcohol and drug use including family, relatives and friends.

• www.turningpoint.org.au – Turning Point - information about substance use related disorders and their management and an online interactive counselling service.

• www.at-ease.dva.gov.au – Dept. of Veterans Affairs – aims to assist veteran community to recognize possible signs, take appropriate action and assume more responsibility for their health and well being. At Ease Fact sheets include “Alcohol and Mental Health”. 

• www.druginfo.adf.org.au – Drug Info Clearinghouse - a searchable online library with drug and alcohol-related information. 

• www.familydrughelp.sharc.org.au – Family Drug Help – family focused information about substance abuse, related disorders and their management.

• www.quitnow.info.au –National Tobacco Campaign – provides advice and assistance to smokers who want to quit the habit.

• www.tranx.org.au – Tranquilliser Recovery and New Existence – information on benzodiazepines (tranquillisers and sleeping pills), guidelines on how to use them safely and strategies for sleep and anxiety management.

• www.pada.org.au – Reconnexion – information on benzodiazepines (tranquillisers and sleeping pills), guidelines on how to use them safely and strategies for sleep and anxiety management.

• www.evenkeel.org.au – Even Keel - information on mood disorder-related conditions and drug and alcohol use and links.

• www.beyondblue.org.au – beyondblue - several fact sheets including “Reducing alcohol and other drugs.” 


Services for Men:

• www.menslineaus.org.au – support for men with family and relationship problems especially around family breakdown or separation.

• www.readthesigns.com.au – Read the Signs- strategies for getting help for yourself or a mate.

• www.lifeline.org.au/find_help/info_service/toolkits - self help information including Tool kits for, “Men experiencing difficult times” and, “Help when you’re feeling down”, “Carers of people with a mental illness”, “Beating the blues”, Beating panic attacks.” 

• www.beyondblue.org.au – beyondblue- several fact sheets including “Depression in men” and “For Men” (wallet size information card on depression) 

• www.moodgym.anu.edu.au – aims to help individuals to identify and overcome emotional problems and show people how to develop good coping skills.

• www.psychology.org.au – Australian Psychological Society – find a psychologist

• www.relationships.com.au - Relationships Australia – relationships counselling.

• www.mhwaq.org.au –Men’s Health and Wellbeing Association – website run by men to serve the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing of men, boys and families.

• www.mensheds.com.au – Addresses the needs of starting, running and growing Mens sheds across Australia.


Drought Support Services for Primary Producers and Allied Industries:

• www.abc.net.au/water/drought/ - ABC News – drought related information.

• http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/emergency/drought/assistance/support/nsw-drought-assistance-guide - This publication provides a comprehensive list of services and contact details for assistance during the drought.
Contents include: Drought support workers,Financial support, Business management support, Health and wellbeing, Community support and networking, Workforce skilling, Schooling and education

• www.service.sa.gov.au/drought.asp - SA Drought link - drought info re support services, local rural financial counsellors, Centrelink services, maintaining land condition, managing stock and crops in dry times, the condition of the River Murray and Murray-Darling Basin and information re dealing with stress and tough times.

• www.centrelink.gov.au – Centrelink - info on income support and referrals to counsellors.

• www.aghealth.org.au/pressures - Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety – Business, Family and Personal checklists that can be done online to identify and manage the most difficult pressures of farming and all involved.

• www.agheath.org.au/pressures - Managing the Pressures of Farming - support and information (NSW and SA only).

• www.farmsafe.org.au – info on health and safety for farmers/families.

• www.transhelpfoundation.com – advice and support for transport drivers/families

• www.lifeline.org.au/find_help/info_service/toolkits - self help information including Tool kits for “Getting through the Drought”, “Men experiencing difficult times” and “Suicide prevention.” 

• www.beyondblue.org.au – beyondblue - several fact sheets including “Drought information card.” “When the cowpat hits the Windmill: a guide to staying mentally fit for health workers”, “Depression in men,” and “For men” (wallet size information card on depression) 

http://www.legaladvice.org.au/index.html -  Free Legal Advice Association: Our lawyers are members of the Free Legal Advice Association and have an obligation as
part of their membership requirements, to give free advice to people who ring for our services.