Mental health

Services and support for all residents 

45% of the Australian population will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. There are various services available to support the mental health and wellbeing of all residents. 

We have identified the key priorities and actions for the next four years to support community health and wellbeing. Awareness of mental health issues and improved access to support services are actions contained within the Health & Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025

Community Directory 

Opportunities for social and community connection are important for mental health and wellbeing. For more information on our community groups please visit the Community Directory

Speak with a GP 

For a referral to a mental health service or to discuss a Mental Health Care Plan contact your GP.  Find out about eligibility and how to start a Health Care PlanFor information on services and referral options for mothers and children, contact the Maternal and Child Health Service on 5366 7100

Read more about the different services and programs available

Contact information for mental health services 

If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health issues, the following online and phone services are a great starting point. 

Services for children and young people

Headspace  

The National Youth Mental Health Foundation supports the mental health of all young Australians. Get expert advice and support online. Reach them on 1800 650 890 or call Headspace Ballarat on (03) 5304 4777

Beyond Blue Youth  
Beyond Blue is available to help everyone achieve their best possible mental health.  There is also a dedicated service to help young people. Read more about how Beyond Blue supports the mental wellbeing of our young people. Or get in touch on 1300 224 636.  

Kids Helpline  
A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. Want to speak to a counsellor online? Or give them a call on 1800 55 1800

Berry Street Reconnect program 
The Reconnect program is designed to safeguard children and young adults through various stages of family life – such as education, housing, and general wellbeing.  Head online to read more about how they can help. 

Orygen Specialist Program 
Orygen provides specialist mental health services for people 15 – 25 living in and around the Shire. They can help with early intervention for young people with complex mental health issues

General services

Head to Health 
Whether you are looking for mental health support for yourself, someone you care about, or just trying to improve your wellbeing - Head to Health is a good place to start. Head to Health helps all Australians access the mental health and wellbeing services that are right for them. It makes it easier to navigate and choose the most suitable care options, whether that’s face-to-face, via phone, or online. Call 1800 595 212 or visit www.headtohealth.gov.au

Beyond Blue  
Advice and support for anyone suffering mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.  Learn about their support, advice, action and more. Give them a call on 1300 224 636

PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia 
Expecting and new parents feeling especially vulnerable and anxious should reach out. Read about how they support anxiety and depression. Or call 1300 726 306

Lifeline Australia  
Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention. Lifeline Australia will listen without judgement.  Call anytime on 13 11 14. Or read about their suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance.

Suicide Line Victoria  
Suicide Line Australia is a free hotline offering telephone, video and online counselling. Call anytime on 1300 651 251Read more about suicide prevention and counselling services.

Black Dog Institute  
Information on symptoms, treatment and prevention of depression and bipolar disorder.

Carers Australia  
Short-term counselling and emotional support services for carers and their families.  Call 1800 242 636

WRISC Family Violence Support and Van 
Learn about family violence support services available for women and children. The Van Go Moorabool project is special to Moorabool area bringing arts therapy to children affected by family violence.  

MensLine Australia  
A telephone and online counselling service for men dealing with mental health issues. Mental wellbeing advice and services that reach out to men of all ages and situations. Call 1300 78 99 78

QLife  
Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTI people.  The project provides early intervention and counselling services for diverse people of all ages.  Whether suffering from poor psychological distress, social isolation, discrimination, or other mental wellbeing issues, QLife can help. Speak to a Qlife counsellor online. Or call 1800 184 527 between 3pm-midnight. 

Relationships Australia  
A provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities. Get relationship support and advice. Call 1300 364 277

SANE Australia 
Are you or someone you know suffering from mental illness?  Get information and about mental illness, treatments, and where to go for support. Call 1800 187 263.

Griefline 
Griefline is a national not-for-profit organisation that supports anyone experiencing grief.  Services include a toll-free helpline, national bereavement support groups, online community forums, and grief and loss information and resources. People seeking grief support can also book a call with a specially trained telephone volunteer at a time that is convenient for them. Call 1300 845 745  8am-8pm Monday-Friday. Griefline website