Emergency — Triple Zero
Someone is in danger right now — violence, self-harm happening, a medical emergency. Call. Ask for police or ambulance.
24/7
← BackYou are not on your own
Get help
These are real people, free to call, and they will not judge you. You don’t need a reason good enough. If you’re not sure who to call, start with Kids Helpline — they’ll help you work it out.
Right now — if it’s urgent
Someone’s in danger, you’re thinking about hurting yourself, or you just can’t hold it tonight. All of these answer 24 hours a day.
Kids Helpline
Anything at all, any time. Free and confidential counselling for anyone 5–25.
Call 1800 55 1800
Webchat 24/7 at kidshelpline.com.au
24/7Visit site
Lifeline
Crisis support and suicide prevention. If tonight feels too heavy, talk to someone now.
Call 13 11 14
Text 0477 13 11 14 · webchat — both 24/7
24/7Visit site
Suicide Call Back Service
24/7 phone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts.
24/7Visit site
13YARN
First NationsCrisis support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters. Yarn with someone who gets it.
24/7Visit site
1800RESPECT
For anyone dealing with domestic, family or sexual violence — for yourself or someone you know.
Call 1800 737 732
Text 0458 737 732 · online chat + video call
24/7Visit site
Beyond Blue
Support for anxiety, depression and feeling like you can’t cope. No problem is too big or too small.
Call 1300 22 4636
Webchat at beyondblue.org.au
24/7Visit site
Struggling, but safe
Legal questions, drugs or alcohol, your head’s a mess, or you just want to talk to someone who works with young people. Mostly business hours — the crisis lines above are always there after hours.
headspace
Youth mental health support for 12–25 — phone, webchat and centres all over Victoria.
Call 1800 650 890
Webchat + email · find a centre at headspace.org.au
Phone/chat every day 3pm–10pmVisit site
Youthlaw (VIC)
Free legal help for anyone under 25 in Victoria. Police, fines, work, school — ask before you sign anything.
Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pmVisit site
Victoria Legal Aid
Free legal information and advice for all Victorians. First Nations line: 1300 MOB VLA.
Call 1300 792 387
Legal Help Chat online
Mon–Fri 8am–6pmVisit site
YoDAA — Youth Drug & Alcohol Advice (VIC)
Straight-up advice about drugs and alcohol for young people — no judgement, no lecture.
Call 1800 458 685
Online support at yodaa.org.au
Mon–Fri 9am–5pmVisit site
YSAS — Youth Support & Advocacy Service (VIC)
Support with alcohol, other drugs and mental health for young Victorians.
Business hoursVisit site
Youth Law Australia
Free, confidential legal help for anyone under 25 — Australia-wide, online.
ReachOut
Youth mental health tools, articles and peer forums — all online, all anonymous.
Crime Stoppers
Report a crime anonymously — you don’t have to give your name.
Getting set up
The practical first steps into adult life — your TFN, money to study, finding local help.
Get a Tax File Number (TFN)
Free from the ATO. Without one your boss takes almost half your pay. Apply online.
Youth Allowance (Centrelink)
Money to help you live while you study or look for work. Apply through myGov.
Free TAFE Information Line
Find free TAFE courses you’re eligible for.
Ask Izzy
Free, anonymous search for local help near you — food, housing, jobs. Use a library computer if you need to.
Salvation Army
Emergency help with food, bills or a place to stay when things fall apart. (From the book.)
St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies)
Emergency financial help in a crisis. (From the book.)
TrueNorth is a guide, not a crisis service. We don’t see your calls and we can’t answer them — these services can. In an emergency always call 000.