There are moments in life that change everything.
The passing of someone we love can leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed and uncertain about where to turn next. In the days and weeks that follow, many people find themselves carrying far more than grief alone. There are decisions to make, responsibilities to manage and questions that may have no immediate answers.
At times like these, reaching out for support can feel difficult. Knowing who to contact can feel difficult. Even taking that first step can require more strength than we realise.
The services listed below have been brought together to make that process a little easier. Whether you are seeking someone to talk to, professional guidance, crisis support or simply a place to begin, we hope these resources may assist you in finding the support that feels right for you and your family.
The services below have been included as a starting point for individuals and families seeking support following the sudden and unexpected passing of a loved one.
Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14
Text: 0477 13 11 14
Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Lifeline provides crisis support and suicide prevention services by telephone, text and online chat.
Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467
Website: https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Provides free telephone, video and online counselling for people affected by suicide, including those bereaved by suicide.
StandBy Support After Suicide
Phone: 1300 727 247
Website: https://standbysupport.com.au
Provides free support for individuals, families and communities affected by suicide.
StandBy offers specialised support for people bereaved by suicide and those impacted by a suicide event.
MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78
Website: https://mensline.org.au
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Telephone and online support service for men experiencing personal or emotional difficulties.
Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636
Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Provides information, support and counselling services.
13YARN
Phone: 13 92 76
Website: https://www.13yarn.org.au
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters.
Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling
Phone: 1800 011 046
Website: https://www.openarms.gov.au
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Provides counselling and support services to current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families.
Queensland Mental Health Access Line
Phone: 1300 642 255 (1300 MH CALL)
Website: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/mental-health/help-lines
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Provides access to Queensland public mental health services and advice from qualified clinicians.
13 HEALTH
Phone: 13 43 25 84
Website: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/contacts/advice/13health
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Queensland Health telephone service staffed by registered nurses who can provide health advice and information about available services.
Accessing Medicare-Rebated Support
Many Australians may be eligible for Medicare rebates for certain support services when referred by a doctor.
Appointments may be available face-to-face, by telephone or via telehealth, providing greater flexibility for individuals and families regardless of their location.
Telehealth services can be particularly valuable for those living in regional and remote communities, those unable to leave home, or those who prefer the privacy and convenience of a telephone or video consultation.
CEA would respectfully like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways on which we work. We recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples amongst the families we care for, our employees, volunteers and supporters, who form part of the oldest continuous living culture on Earth. We pay our respects to them and their Elders past, present and emerging.