Youth Support
Below is a list of services young people can utilise when they are dealing with some challenging times. Follow the links to find out more.
Crisis Support
If someone’s life is in danger call 000
Lifeline – is a national organisation providing anyone experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14
Kids Helpline – is a free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Call 1800 55 1800
Mental Health/Counselling
Hepburn Health Services – A vast range of welfare, mental health and counselling support is provided throughout the Hepburn Health Campuses.
Headspace Ballarat – provides free services in Mental health, general health, drug & alcohol support for young people aged 12-25.
Online Counselling
EHeadspace – a confidential, free and secure space where young people 12 – 25 or their family can chat with a qualified youth mental health professional
Kids Helpline – If you can’t get to a phone or prefer to chat online, you can connect one-on-one with a Kids Helpline counsellor through WebChat! Available 8am-12am, 7 days per week.
Lifeline – Crisis support online chat is available 7pm-12am, 7 days per week.
Mental Health Support Resources
Reach Out – practical support, tools and tips to help young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times.
Beyond Blue – provides information and support to help everyone achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
Headspace – the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing. This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.
Housing & Homelessness
Department of Human Services – Housing Services for families, young people and children.
Drug and Alcohol
Hepburn Health Services – Alcohol and drug counselling is available to anybody experiencing or at risk of experiencing drug or alcohol related problems.
CAFS (Child & Family services) Daylesford – This program offers information, support, individual or family counselling.
Uniting Care Ballarat – provides a free service and will work with clients to develop a sense of control and manageability around substance misuse.
Financial Support
Centrelink – (Located in Daylesford & Ballarat) deliver social security payments and services to Australians.
Money Smart – offer free, independent guidance so you can make the most of your money.
Alternative Education Options
Highlands Local Learning Education Network (LLEN) – provide support for young people in learning and pathway options through education, training and employment.
GLBTIQ+
WayOut – (Based at Cobaw Community Health in Kyneton) program supports same sex attracted, bisexual and transgender young people in rural Victoria.
ZAQUE – A support program for GLBTIQ young people who live around the Ballarat region.
Parenting Support
ReachOut Parents – Helping parents support their teenagers through everyday issues and tough times.
Raising Children Network – provide scientifically validated information about raising children and caring for yourself as a parent or carer.
Andrew Fuller – Psychologist Andrew Fuller has a range of online resources for parents managing teenagers.