Services and information
The Department frequently responds to requests for information on a variety of community services. The following links may be of assistance:
Lifeline provides a crisis line for anyone in distress. Its services operate from 60 locations nationally, with a presence in every State and Territory. The website also has details of volunteering opportunities available through Lifeline. A 24-hour counselling service is available by calling 13 1114.
CounsellingOnline is a service where you can communicate with a professional counsellor about an alcohol or drug-related concern. The 24-hour Directline number is 1800 888 236.
The Centrelink website provides links to services providing Crisis & Special Help.
Links to information about Justices of the Peace in all states and territories can be found on the australia.gov.au website.
Links to information about birth, pregnancy, adoption and fostering can be found in the Starting a Family section on the australia.gov.au website.
The Australian Foster Care Association is a membership-based voluntary organisation supporting and representing the voices of foster carers, their families and the children they care for throughout Australia.
Information about various government and non-government Grants and funding opportunities for community organisations can be found on the DSS website.
Volunteering Australia is the national peak body working to advance volunteering in the Australian community. Its role is to represent the diverse views and needs of the volunteer sector while promoting the activity of volunteering as one of enduring social, cultural and economic value.
The Raising Children Network provides information that can help parents with the day-to-day decisions of raising children, and looking after their own needs.
Health Direct provides a wide range of up-to-date and quality-assessed information on important health topics such as diabetes, cancer, mental health and asthma.
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s starting point for accessing Australian Government-funded aged care services.
For further information about community programs or services please email enquiries@dss.gov.au
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