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Victoria, Australia

Crisis Resource Guide

This guide contains contacts and information for times when you need help — whether that's a mental health crisis, family violence, housing emergency, substance use concern, or another urgent situation.

You don't have to be in immediate danger to reach out. If something doesn't feel right, please call.

IN IMMEDIATE DANGER? CALL 000
Police · Ambulance · Fire  |  Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Mental Health Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, the following Victorian services can help. You do not need a referral or Medicare card for most of these services.

ServicePhone NumberHours
Mental Health & Wellbeing Access Line1800 595 21224/7
Nurse-on-Call1300 60 60 2424/7
Suicide Call Back Service1300 659 46724/7
SANE Australia Helpline1800 187 263Mon–Fri, 10am–12am
MensLine Australia1300 78 99 7824/7
Kids Helpline1800 55 180024/7
Head to Health (Melbourne)1800 595 21224/7

Mental Health Crisis Assessment & Treatment (CAT) Teams

CAT Teams provide free, rapid assessment and support during a mental health crisis. They can come to you.

RegionServicePhone
Inner MelbourneMelbourne Health CAT1300 651 251
Eastern MelbourneEastern Health CAT1300 721 927
Northern MelbourneNorthern Health CAT1300 679 436
Southern MelbourneMonash Health CAT1800 008 774
Western MelbourneWestern Health CAT1800 011 511
Barwon (Geelong)Barwon Health CAT1300 094 187
Ballarat / GrampiansGrampians Health CAT1800 806 061
Loddon / CampaspeBendigo Health CAT1800 350 744
GippslandLatrobe Health CAT1800 003 342
Albury-WodongaBorder Mental Health02 6058 4444

If You Are Concerned About Someone Else

  • Stay calm and listen without judgement
  • Ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" — asking does not increase risk
  • Stay with the person if they are in immediate danger
  • Remove access to means if safe to do so (e.g. medications, sharp objects)
  • Call 000 if there is immediate risk to life
  • Call the Mental Health & Wellbeing Access Line on 1800 595 212 for guidance

Suicide & Self-Harm Support

If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please know you are not alone. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. The services below are free, confidential, and available now.

ServicePhone NumberHours
Suicide Call Back Service1300 659 46724/7
Mental Health & Wellbeing Access Line1800 595 21224/7
Orygen (under 25)1800 888 32024/7
Headspace (online/phone)1800 650 8909am–1am daily
Safe Steps (intersects family violence)1800 015 18824/7
If you are in immediate danger Call 000. You can also go to your nearest emergency department — tell them you are having thoughts of suicide.

Text & Online Support Options

Not ready to talk? That's okay. Try these text or chat-based options:

ServiceHow to AccessHours
Lifeline TextText 0477 13 11 14Mon–Sun 12pm–12am
Beyond Blue Chatbeyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-chat24/7
Suicide Call Back Servicesuicidecallbackservice.org.au24/7

Family Violence & Domestic Abuse

Family violence includes physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and psychological abuse. It can happen to anyone. If you are in an unsafe situation, help is available 24/7.

If you are in immediate danger — call 000 Police can help keep you safe. You will not be in trouble for calling.
ServicePhone NumberHours
Safe Steps (Victoria)1800 015 18824/7
The Orange Door1800 512 359Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
1800RESPECT1800 737 73224/7
Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Service1800 015 18824/7
inTouch (CALD communities)1800 755 988Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Rainbow Door (LGBTIQ+)1800 729 367Mon–Fri 10am–5pm
Men's Referral Service1300 766 49124/7

About The Orange Door

The Orange Door is a free service that connects people experiencing family violence with specialist support, safety planning, and referrals to housing, legal help, and more. Located across Victoria.

  • You don't need to be in crisis to contact The Orange Door
  • They support adults, children, and young people affected by family violence
  • Interpreters are available on request
  • You can walk in or call ahead

Alcohol & Drug Support

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol or drug use, support is available without judgement. These services are confidential.

ServicePhone NumberHours
DirectLine (Victoria)1800 888 23624/7
Alcohol & Drug Foundation Helpline1300 858 584Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Turning Point1800 888 23624/7
Dual Diagnosis Victoria1800 888 23624/7
Narcotics Anonymous Victoria1300 652 8207 days
Al-Anon / Alateen (for families)1300 252 6667 days
What to expect when you call
  • You will speak with a trained counsellor
  • You can remain anonymous if you choose
  • They can help with information, crisis counselling, and referrals
  • No judgement — these services exist to help
  • Interpreter services are available

Homelessness & Housing Crisis

If you are without safe housing, sleeping rough, or at risk of eviction, support is available. You may also be eligible for emergency accommodation.

ServicePhone NumberHours
Launch Housing (Melbourne)1800 825 95524/7
Salvation Army Crisis Line1300 363 62224/7
Housing Call Centre (Vic)1300 650 172Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Tenants Victoria1300 55 45 59Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic03 9652 0999By appointment
WIRE Women's Housing (Vic)1300 134 130Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

Emergency Accommodation Pathway

If you need a place to stay tonight, please follow the below steps:

  1. 1Call for crisis help: Call the free 24-hour Victorian Statewide Homelessness Line on 1800 825 955 to connect with a housing and support worker near you. Calls outside of business hours go directly to The Salvation Army crisis services.
  2. 2Family Violence Support: If you are escaping family or domestic violence, call Safe Steps at 1800 015 188 (available 24/7)
  3. 3Emergency Danger: Call 000 immediately if you or someone else is in physical danger.

Emergency Services & Other Urgent Contacts

ServicePhone NumberNotes
Police / Ambulance / Fire000All emergencies
Police Assistance Line (non-urgent)131 444Non-emergency police
Nurse-on-Call1300 60 60 2424/7 nurse advice
Victorian Poisons Information13 11 2624/7
NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission1800 035 544Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Disability Advocacy (VALID)03 9416 4003Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Public Guardian (Victoria)1300 309 337Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Child Protection (DFFH)1800 000 55124/7
Older Persons Abuse Line1300 651 192Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

Community Support Squad — Contact Us

If you're a CSS participant and you're not sure who to call, please reach out to us first. We can help connect you with the right service.

0448 067 408

support@communitysupportsquad.com.au

communitysupportsquad.com.au

Quick Reference — Keep This Page

Save or print this section and keep it somewhere accessible.

Emergency
000
Police · Ambulance · Fire
Mental Health Crisis
1800 595 212
MH & Wellbeing Access Line
Suicide Support
1300 659 467
Suicide Call Back Service
Family Violence
1800 015 188
Safe Steps Victoria
Alcohol & Drugs
1800 888 236
DirectLine Victoria
Housing Crisis
1800 825 955
Launch Housing

Community Support Squad  |  0448 067 408  |  support@communitysupportsquad.com.au