Mental Health Services
Mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person thinks, behaves and interacts with others. One in five Australians are affected by mental health issues. There are a variety of services and resources in the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Central Coast and Hunter areas that provide support for children, young people, adults and families suffering from mental health issues. A snapshot of some of these services are listed in alphabetical order below. Click on the links to be redirected to each site.
Adolescent & Family Counselling
By Samaritans
Samaritans supports families in need of counselling services. They provide safe, confidential and friendly family counselling in Newcastle & surrounds. This Lower Hunter Adolescent & Family Counselling Service provides a safe, confidential and friendly space for young people 11 to 21 years and their families to talk through tough times. This service if offered free of charge within the Maitland and Cessnock Local Government Areas.
Contact: Not specified
Contact number: 0249 311 000
Service areas: Maitland, Kurri Kurri, Cessnock
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.samaritans.org.au/service/family-counselling/
By Samaritans
Samaritans supports families in need of counselling services. They provide safe, confidential and friendly family counselling in Newcastle & surrounds. This Lower Hunter Adolescent & Family Counselling Service provides a safe, confidential and friendly space for young people 11 to 21 years and their families to talk through tough times. This service if offered free of charge within the Maitland and Cessnock Local Government Areas.
Contact: Not specified
Contact number: 0249 311 000
Service areas: Maitland, Kurri Kurri, Cessnock
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.samaritans.org.au/service/family-counselling/
Adolescent & Family Counselling
By North Lakes Youth Services
The Adolescent & Family Counselling Service provides counselling to young people 9yrs - 18yrs and their families who are at risk of family breakdown. The counsellor also provides limited group work facilitation, referral if required and works in conjunction with other services and government bodies.
Contact: Annie Hopkins
Contact number: 0249 658 198, 0402 402 157
Service areas: Based at Edgeworth. Services Lake Macquarie and surrounding areas
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.emnc.org.au
By North Lakes Youth Services
The Adolescent & Family Counselling Service provides counselling to young people 9yrs - 18yrs and their families who are at risk of family breakdown. The counsellor also provides limited group work facilitation, referral if required and works in conjunction with other services and government bodies.
Contact: Annie Hopkins
Contact number: 0249 658 198, 0402 402 157
Service areas: Based at Edgeworth. Services Lake Macquarie and surrounding areas
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.emnc.org.au
Adolescent & Family Counsellor
By Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre
Provides a confidential and professional counselling service to adolescents 12-18 yr and their families.
Contact: David Linehan, Christine Murphy
Contact number: 0249 505018, 0249 594624
Service areas: Based at Woodrising. Servicing West Lake Macquarie areas
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: http://www.hunter.apana.org.au/~wnc
By Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre
Provides a confidential and professional counselling service to adolescents 12-18 yr and their families.
Contact: David Linehan, Christine Murphy
Contact number: 0249 505018, 0249 594624
Service areas: Based at Woodrising. Servicing West Lake Macquarie areas
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: http://www.hunter.apana.org.au/~wnc
Alcohol & Drug Awareness Workshop
By Advanced Drug Solutions
Alcohol and drug awareness sessions for high school students and staff. This workshop provides practical information on how to deal with overdoses/misuse of drugs and alcohol. It also provides up to date information on the latest drugs and trends.
Contact: Allan Tisdell
Contact number:0249 582225, 0422 022 515
Service areas: Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland/Dungog, Cessnock/Kurri, Upper Hunter, Wyong, Gosford, Port Stephens, Gloucester.
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://advanceddrugsolutions.com.au/
By Advanced Drug Solutions
Alcohol and drug awareness sessions for high school students and staff. This workshop provides practical information on how to deal with overdoses/misuse of drugs and alcohol. It also provides up to date information on the latest drugs and trends.
Contact: Allan Tisdell
Contact number:0249 582225, 0422 022 515
Service areas: Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland/Dungog, Cessnock/Kurri, Upper Hunter, Wyong, Gosford, Port Stephens, Gloucester.
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://advanceddrugsolutions.com.au/
Coaching & Mentoring Program
"Talk Learn Connect" Program
"Bullying. What to do when you see it coming at you" program
By Centre For Hope
Works with Australian youth aged 11 to 16 years who are suffering adversity through causes such as financial hardship, mental disorders, physical and learning disabilities, mental, physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies and who, because of their circumstances, suffer a significant degree of helplessness. The coaching and mentoring program focuses on:
•Self Esteem •Emotional Intelligence •Setting Mission & Vision Statements •Goal Setting
Contact: Geraldine Moran
Contact number: 0438 466 029
Service areas: Newcastle, Hunter areas
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.centreforhope.com/
"Talk Learn Connect" Program
"Bullying. What to do when you see it coming at you" program
By Centre For Hope
Works with Australian youth aged 11 to 16 years who are suffering adversity through causes such as financial hardship, mental disorders, physical and learning disabilities, mental, physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies and who, because of their circumstances, suffer a significant degree of helplessness. The coaching and mentoring program focuses on:
•Self Esteem •Emotional Intelligence •Setting Mission & Vision Statements •Goal Setting
Contact: Geraldine Moran
Contact number: 0438 466 029
Service areas: Newcastle, Hunter areas
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.centreforhope.com/
Headspace
By the National Youth Mental Health Association
Headspace helps young people who need additional support with
mental health issues between the ages of 12-25 years old. This service provides health advice, support and information with:
Contact number: Melbourne Head Office: 03 9027 0100
Gosford branch: 0243 047870
Maitland branch: 0249 311 000
Newcastle branch: 0249 294201
Tamworth branch: 02 6762 9290
Service areas: National
Email: General- [email protected]
Maitland branch- [email protected]
Newcastle branch- [email protected]
Website: http://www.headspace.org.au
By the National Youth Mental Health Association
Headspace helps young people who need additional support with
mental health issues between the ages of 12-25 years old. This service provides health advice, support and information with:
- General health;
- Mental health and counselling;
- Education, employment and other services;
- Alcohol and other drug services.
Contact number: Melbourne Head Office: 03 9027 0100
Gosford branch: 0243 047870
Maitland branch: 0249 311 000
Newcastle branch: 0249 294201
Tamworth branch: 02 6762 9290
Service areas: National
Email: General- [email protected]
Maitland branch- [email protected]
Newcastle branch- [email protected]
Website: http://www.headspace.org.au
Information Line for Depression
By Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue conducts its work across a range of population groups and settings, with the following dedicated program areas:
-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people program -Childhood and education program
-LGBTI communities program -Men's program
-Multicultural communities program -Older adults program
-Perinatal program - beyond babyblues -System reform and access
-Workplace and Workforce program -Youth program – Youthbeyondblue
Refer to the website for further information on each initiative.
Contact: Not specified
Contact number: 1300 224 636
Service areas: Nation wide
Email: Not applicable
Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
By Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue conducts its work across a range of population groups and settings, with the following dedicated program areas:
-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people program -Childhood and education program
-LGBTI communities program -Men's program
-Multicultural communities program -Older adults program
-Perinatal program - beyond babyblues -System reform and access
-Workplace and Workforce program -Youth program – Youthbeyondblue
Refer to the website for further information on each initiative.
Contact: Not specified
Contact number: 1300 224 636
Service areas: Nation wide
Email: Not applicable
Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
Kids Help Line
By Boystown
Kids Helpline is Australia's only free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Contact: Not specified
Contact number: 1800 55 1800
Service areas: Nation wide
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kidshelp.com.au/
By Boystown
Kids Helpline is Australia's only free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Contact: Not specified
Contact number: 1800 55 1800
Service areas: Nation wide
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kidshelp.com.au/
Lifeline Australia
A 24 Hour Telephone Crisis Line that provides the following supports:
•Online Crisis Support Chat
•Service Finder - free directory of local health and community services
•Mental Health Resource Centre
•DV alert - Domestic Violence Response Training
•National Cannabis Information and Helpline
Local Community Services include:
•Suicide prevention and bereavement services • Face-to-face counselling
•Financial counselling •Gambling counselling
•Youth services •Disability services
•Welfare programs •Rural outreach
•Migrant support services •Family and mediation services
•Counselling services for children •School based education programs
•Information education and support groups •Aged care visitation
•Indigenous support services
Contact: Not specified
Contact number: 13 11 14
Service areas: Nation wide
Email: Not specified
Website: http://www.lifeline.org.au/Home
A 24 Hour Telephone Crisis Line that provides the following supports:
•Online Crisis Support Chat
•Service Finder - free directory of local health and community services
•Mental Health Resource Centre
•DV alert - Domestic Violence Response Training
•National Cannabis Information and Helpline
Local Community Services include:
•Suicide prevention and bereavement services • Face-to-face counselling
•Financial counselling •Gambling counselling
•Youth services •Disability services
•Welfare programs •Rural outreach
•Migrant support services •Family and mediation services
•Counselling services for children •School based education programs
•Information education and support groups •Aged care visitation
•Indigenous support services
Contact: Not specified
Contact number: 13 11 14
Service areas: Nation wide
Email: Not specified
Website: http://www.lifeline.org.au/Home
PHaMs
PHaS provides increased opportunities for recovery for people aged 16 years and
over whose lives are severely affected by mental illness, by helping them to overcome social isolation and increase their connections to the community. People are supported through a recovery‑focused and strengths‑based approach that recognises recovery as a personal journey driven by the participant.
Location: Armidale, Moree, Narrabri
Contact number: 026772 1455 (Armidale) 026792 6194 ( Moree) 0267926194 ( Narrabri)
PHaS provides increased opportunities for recovery for people aged 16 years and
over whose lives are severely affected by mental illness, by helping them to overcome social isolation and increase their connections to the community. People are supported through a recovery‑focused and strengths‑based approach that recognises recovery as a personal journey driven by the participant.
Location: Armidale, Moree, Narrabri
Contact number: 026772 1455 (Armidale) 026792 6194 ( Moree) 0267926194 ( Narrabri)
Mental Health & Disability Employment Service
By At Work Australia
This company includes services that provide:
-individual assessments by experienced health professionals including psychologists, occupational therapists and other health professionals
-accurate identification and strategies to overcome barriers to employment
-Upskilling job seekers for long-term employment with targeted training such as vehicle licences and tickets, computer skills and certificate courses.
Contact: Keira Cambell
Contact number: 0240 398819
Service areas: Braodmeadow, Charlestown
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://atworkaustralia.com.au/
By At Work Australia
This company includes services that provide:
-individual assessments by experienced health professionals including psychologists, occupational therapists and other health professionals
-accurate identification and strategies to overcome barriers to employment
-Upskilling job seekers for long-term employment with targeted training such as vehicle licences and tickets, computer skills and certificate courses.
Contact: Keira Cambell
Contact number: 0240 398819
Service areas: Braodmeadow, Charlestown
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://atworkaustralia.com.au/
Mental Health Line
By NSW Government
The Mental Health Line is a single number, state-wide 24-hour mental health telephone access service. Anyone with a mental health issue can use the Mental Health Line to speak with a mental health professional and be directed to the right care for them. Carers, other health professionals and emergency service workers can also use the Mental Health Line for advice about a person’s clinical symptoms, the urgency of the need for care and local treatment options.
Contact: Not specified
Contact number: 1800 011 511
Service areas: NSW
Email: Not specified
Website: http://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/mhLine.html
By NSW Government
The Mental Health Line is a single number, state-wide 24-hour mental health telephone access service. Anyone with a mental health issue can use the Mental Health Line to speak with a mental health professional and be directed to the right care for them. Carers, other health professionals and emergency service workers can also use the Mental Health Line for advice about a person’s clinical symptoms, the urgency of the need for care and local treatment options.
Contact: Not specified
Contact number: 1800 011 511
Service areas: NSW
Email: Not specified
Website: http://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/mhLine.html
OASIS (Hunter) and NEWCASTLE BRIDGE YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS
Programs have been designed to help young people aged between 12-25years and their families with barriers related to drug and alcohol use. NBYF provides drug & alcohol related workshops in the community and at high schools. Oasis provides a range of high quality services and assistance with physical, emotional and spiritual support in a youth friendly environment.
Contact: James Caneron, Peter Martin
Contact number: 0249 698066
Service areas: Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Upper Hunter
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: http://salvos.org.au/oasishunter/
Programs have been designed to help young people aged between 12-25years and their families with barriers related to drug and alcohol use. NBYF provides drug & alcohol related workshops in the community and at high schools. Oasis provides a range of high quality services and assistance with physical, emotional and spiritual support in a youth friendly environment.
Contact: James Caneron, Peter Martin
Contact number: 0249 698066
Service areas: Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Upper Hunter
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: http://salvos.org.au/oasishunter/
'Reconnect' & Case Work Team
By Samaritans Youth
Reconnect services aim to provide a range of supports to young people aged between 12 and 18 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and who want some assistance with their family relationships. Reconnect assists with things like: Counselling, improving relationships, mediation, goal setting, connecting with education/work. A worker is linked to each young person to help in sorting things out with their family; connect them with training and employment services; help them to stay in school when it gets tough; provide income support and find somewhere safe to stay if necessary.
The Case Work Team provides 1:1 outreach support to young people 12-25yrs who are at risk of homelessness or are homeless. It provides supported accommodation for pregnant or young mothers.
Contact: 0249 221538, 1800 171 800
Contact number: Not specified
Service areas: Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.samaritans.org.au/service/reconnect/
By Samaritans Youth
Reconnect services aim to provide a range of supports to young people aged between 12 and 18 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and who want some assistance with their family relationships. Reconnect assists with things like: Counselling, improving relationships, mediation, goal setting, connecting with education/work. A worker is linked to each young person to help in sorting things out with their family; connect them with training and employment services; help them to stay in school when it gets tough; provide income support and find somewhere safe to stay if necessary.
The Case Work Team provides 1:1 outreach support to young people 12-25yrs who are at risk of homelessness or are homeless. It provides supported accommodation for pregnant or young mothers.
Contact: 0249 221538, 1800 171 800
Contact number: Not specified
Service areas: Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.samaritans.org.au/service/reconnect/
Somazone
Somazone is a youth website providing an anonymous question and answer service, topical fact sheets, a searchable directory of Australian youth services, and publishes personal stories. Services provide young people with clear, unbiased, non-judgemental and professional answers to any questions they may have about their health, including drug use, sexual health, mental health, harassment, relationships and body image. The answers to questions, fact sheets, personal stories and directory are provided by health professionals and published on Somazone, creating a database of over 1700 questions and answers for young people to refer to.
Website: http://www.somazone.com.au/
Somazone is a youth website providing an anonymous question and answer service, topical fact sheets, a searchable directory of Australian youth services, and publishes personal stories. Services provide young people with clear, unbiased, non-judgemental and professional answers to any questions they may have about their health, including drug use, sexual health, mental health, harassment, relationships and body image. The answers to questions, fact sheets, personal stories and directory are provided by health professionals and published on Somazone, creating a database of over 1700 questions and answers for young people to refer to.
Website: http://www.somazone.com.au/
Talk Out Loud
By The Australian Red Cross
The Talk OUT Loud program, developed in partnership with beyondblue (the national depression initiative) and ORYGEN Youth Health has been designed to build the capacity of young people to provide support to their peers on issues relating to mental health. It also seeks to reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems like depression and encourages the sensible practice of seeking professional help when needed.
Contact: Melissa Downes
Contact number: 0249 413 213
Service areas: Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Upper Hunter, Wyong,
Gosford, Port Stephens, Gloucester.
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.redcross.org.au/mental-health.aspx
By The Australian Red Cross
The Talk OUT Loud program, developed in partnership with beyondblue (the national depression initiative) and ORYGEN Youth Health has been designed to build the capacity of young people to provide support to their peers on issues relating to mental health. It also seeks to reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems like depression and encourages the sensible practice of seeking professional help when needed.
Contact: Melissa Downes
Contact number: 0249 413 213
Service areas: Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Upper Hunter, Wyong,
Gosford, Port Stephens, Gloucester.
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.redcross.org.au/mental-health.aspx
Youth Services
By Wesley Mission
Wesley Mission Newcastle Youth Services helps young people aged 12 to 24 and their families cope with the urgent problems facing many young people today – homelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, gambling and other life-controlling issues. This service offers counselling, information and referrals, case management and group activities.
Contact: Reverend Keith Garner
Contact number: 0249 622188, 0249 611661
Service areas: Newcastle
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.wesleymission.org.au/centres/newcastle/About_Us/default.asp
By Wesley Mission
Wesley Mission Newcastle Youth Services helps young people aged 12 to 24 and their families cope with the urgent problems facing many young people today – homelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, gambling and other life-controlling issues. This service offers counselling, information and referrals, case management and group activities.
Contact: Reverend Keith Garner
Contact number: 0249 622188, 0249 611661
Service areas: Newcastle
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.wesleymission.org.au/centres/newcastle/About_Us/default.asp
Useful Mental Health Links for online support & current research: