Mental Illness and Suicide Prevention (MindAustralia, Wellways)

This is one in a series of blog posts describing some of the support services available in Australia.

If you are in a crisis situation, or life is at risk, please call 000 immediately.

You can read our other blog posts on Family Violence services, Homelessness services, Drug and Alcohol suport services and Gambling support services.

MindAustralia

Who is this service aimed towards?

MindAustralia is one of Australia’s leading community-managed mental health service providers. It aims to support people living with crippling mental health issues, providing services for consumers as well as their family and carers. Their focus isn’t your illness, but rather your strengths and values.

This service is fitting for people ranging from 16 to 64 years old, from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, who:

• Are feeling overpowered by their mental illness
• Need to regain their social and relationship skills
• Need to improve their physical health
• Are currently struggling with housing, education, and/or employment

How to get in touch?

You can contact MindAustralia one of the following ways:

• Send a message through their contact form
• Call 1300 286 463 for service information and referrals (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
• Call 1300 554 660 to reach the carer helpline (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)

For 24/7 help and support, you can reach one of these around-the-clock helplines.

What kind of support services do they offer?

With services across South and Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria, among other states, you can find the perfect treatment plan for you.

MindAustralia is a registered NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) provider offering:

• Specialised assess and counselling
• Community and in-home support with an experienced Mind worker (for daily task management, confidence building, and social support)
• Group recreation and leisure activities
• Family and carer support services (for those who need help taking care of their mentally ill friends or relatives)
• Sub-acute recovery care (in partnership with hospitals)
• Recovery 1 to 14-day retreats at pleasant locations focused on leisure, with 24/7 support

To learn more about their services, visit https://www.mindaustralia.org.au/.

Wellways

Who is this service aimed towards?

Wellways is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting people struggling with mental health and disabilities.

Their services reach the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania. All of their work is focused on community inclusion, and is aimed towards:

• People who are experiencing mental health issues and want to seek help
• People living with disability
• Friends or carers who want information on how to look after a loved one with disabilities and/or mental health issue
• People looking for additional information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

How to get in touch?

The simplest way to get in touch with Wellways is by sending your general enquiries directly to enquiries@wellways.org. But, you also can:

• Reach their offices by phone, call 1300 111 400.

• Fill out the contact form available on their website.

If you have hearing or speech impediment issues, get in touch with the National Relay Service for assistance.

What kind of support services do they offer?

The organization has services available to meet the needs of both affected people and their carers. It offers:

• Health and wellbeing-promoting support services, such as connecting with people or engaging in meaningful community work
• Support with maintaining one’s own home, a place where they will feel comfortable and safe
• Support options for acquired brain injury, for successful participation in the community
• Work and learning services to promote skill development and confidence
• Support for family, friends, or carers responsible for someone’s recovery
• A helpline for people who need immediate support and need someone to talk to
• Support coordination that unites staff, community health services, and important people in one’s life to develop an individualised plan that addresses specific needs and future goals

To learn about the individual services in more detail, visit https://www.wellways.org/.

Remember, if you are in a crisis situation, or need immediate support, please call 000.

We also offer counselling and coaching support. For a free, confiedntial discussion about how me can help you, click here to make a time for us to chat, or call us directly on 0493 063 530.