Personal support

A major financial loss from a scam or bad investment or the financial disruption from a relationship breakdown can take an emotional toll.

If you need support and guidance, you may wish to use these counselling services and sources of financial information. We include both Government agencies and non-government organisations.

If you are having financial difficulties you can also get free financial counselling.

Getting help

Financial information and referral	Contact
Financial Information Service (FIS) A FIS Officer can provide free, independent and expert financial information over the telephone and at personal interviews. FIS officers are not financial planners. They do not give or sell advice or purchase investment products. FIS officers are not assessors, that is, do not make decisions about pensions. Centrelink can also give you information about whether you are entitled to financial assistance including rent assistance, crisis payments or other social security payments.	Free Call 13 2300 A FIS Officer will return your call and if possible answer your questions over the telephone. www.centrelink.gov.au
Centrelink Personal/Family Counselling Service Centrelink customers who are having personal or family difficulties can gain access to Centrelink's counselling services via Centrelink's Social Worker Network.	Free to Centrelink customers Call 13 1021 to: speak directly to a Social Worker, or make an appointment to see a Social Worker at your local Customer Service Centre.
CRS Australia CRS is a Commonwealth Government provider of vocational rehabilitation programs in Australia. Vocational rehabilitation helps people manage the effects of a disability, injury or health condition to benefit their quality of life and help them to get or keep a job. CRS can help people with a wide range of conditions covering physical, psychological and sensory conditions.	Freecall 1800 624 824 www.crsaustralia.gov.au

Emotional support and referral	Contact
beyondblue: the national depression initiative A national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders in Australia. beyondblue has a booklet: Taking care of yourself after retrenchment or financial loss, which can be downloaded free from their website.	Free 1300 224 636 The beyondblue info line provides callers with access to information and referral to relevant services for depression and anxiety-related matters. www.beyondblue.org.au
Mensline Australia Supports men who are dealing with family and relationship difficulties, particularly surrounding family break-down or separation. Mensline Australia’s telephone counsellors are professionally trained to provide: confidential, professional and non-judgmental short-term counselling direct telephone linkage to local services if required relevant information and referrals to services and support programs in your area relationship coaching and practical strategies for managing difficult situations.	Free 1300 789 978 The service is available to men around Australia, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the cost of a local call. www.menslineaus.org.au
Lifeline If you are currently feeling suicidal, or are in a crisis or life-threatening situation, we advise you to contact Lifeline. This service is available to anyone in Australia needing emotional support, for the cost of a local call.	Free 13 11 14 Provides all Australians with access to our 24-hour telephone counselling service
Women's Information and Referral Services Provides free, confidential information, support and referral to women across Australia. Services are a gateway to other sources of assistance about: family life and relationships violence and sexual assault housing and finance	Freecall in your state or territory VIC 1300 134 130 www.wire.org.au NSW 1800 817 227 www.women.nsw.gov.au SA 1800 188 158 www.wis.sa.gov.au WA 1800 199 174 www.community.wa.gov.au TAS 1800 001 377 www.women.tas.gov.au QLD 1800 177 577 www.women.qld.gov.au ACT 02 6205 1075 www.wirc.act.gov.au

Relationships support

Contact

Relationships Australia
For couples, individuals, and families who are seeking improved relationships, or resolution of relationship difficulties.

For those people whose relationships have ended and who need help to resolve matters of childcare and maintenance, financial arrangements, and property settlement.

Cost for counselling service
subject to income

1300 364 277
Nationwide telephone service

www.relationships.com.au

Interrelate
A community based, not for profit organisation that provides a range of relationship services including counseling and mediation.

Interrelate has a network of centres across metropolitan, regional and rural New South Wales.

Contact your local centre
for information about costs

Call Toll Free 1300 736 966 (NSW only)

www.interrelate.org.au

FIDO Website: Printed 03/11/2010