Aftercare supports people with mental disorders (primarily people with mental illness or an intellectual disability and other complex needs) living in the Sydney Metropolitan Region and Western Sydney to Katoomba and Lithgow. Services are funded by the NSW Department of Health and the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and other grants that may be obtained for specific projects.
ARAFMI is an agency which primarily focuses on the provision of support for families, carers and friends with mental health issues. The agency uses the principles of mutual self help and support to build the capacity of families and improve their quality of life.
The Australian College of Mental Health Nurses is the peak professional body for mental health nurses in Australia. It is the only organisation that solely represents mental health nurses. The college engages with its members and key stakeholders to advance mental health nursing across the country.
The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) is the only national organisation representing the public healthcare sector and the professionals working in it. The AHHA facilitates collaboration between clinicians, academics, policy makers, administrators and politicians. The association's primary role is to uphold and improve Australia's public healthcare sector.
Beyond Blue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders in Australia.
The Black Dog Institute is an educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in mood disorders - a range of disorders that include depression and bipolar disorder (formerly called 'manic depression'). The Institute's mission is to advance the understanding, diagnosis and management of the mood disorders by continuously raising clinical, research, education and training standards. In so doing, the Institute aims to improve the lives of those affected - and in turn - the lives of their families and friends.
Carers NSW is the peak organisation for carers in New South Wales. It is an association for relatives and friends who are caring for people with a disability, mental health problem, chronic condition or who are frail aged.
The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) is based in Orange. It is a major rural initiative of The University of Newcastle, Faculty of Health and the NSW Department of Health. The Centre aims to improve the mental health of rural and remote communities through academic leadership, collaboration and achievements in research, education, service development and information services.
The Australian Children of People with a Mental Illness initiative aims to promote better mental health outcomes for children (0 - 18 years) of parents with a mental health problem or disorder.
GROW is a community of people working towards better mental health through mutual help and a 12 step program of recovery. Small groups of people, who have experienced depression, anxiety or other mental or emotional distress, meet together on a weekly basis to help each other deal with the challenges of life.
Healthy Start is an Australia-wide strategy to support parents with learning difficulties and promote a healthy start to life for their young children.
The Hunter Institute of Mental Health is a business unit of the Hunter New England Area Health Service. The institute aims to promote mental health and improve outcomes for people with mental illnesses through education and training, health promotion, continuing professional development and programs that aim to raise awareness of mental health and its issues.
The Illawarra Institute for Mental Health (IIMH) is a research unit within the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Wollongong. It provides a centre for researchers and teachers with an interest in mental health and drug and alcohol related research.
The New South Wales Institute of Psychiatry (NSWIOP) is a major provider of continuing professional education in mental health in Australia.
The Karitane Careline is a 7-day per week service. Child and Family Health Nurses are available for consultation on a wide range of issues concerning infants and children from birth to five (5) years of age.
Kids Help Line is Australia's only free, confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. The service aims to empower young people by assisting them to develop options, identify and understand the consequences of a particular course of action, facilitate more productive relationships with family and friends, and provide information on local support services. Kids Help Line counsellors are fully qualified professionals who undergo additional accredited training at Kids Help Line.
KidsMatter is the first national mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative specifically developed for primary schools. The initiative is currently being trialled in 101 schools across Australia and involves the people who have a significant influence on children's lives - parents, families, care-givers, teachers and community groups -making a positive difference for children's mental health during this important developmental period.
Lifeline is a crisis line for people to call when they are feeling distressed. Lifeline's services operate from 60 locations nationally, with a presence in every state and territory within Australia.
The Mental Health Advocacy Service (MHAS) provides free legal advice and assistance about mental health law. The service represents people in hearings that relate to their detention and treatment in hospitals and the community, and the management of their money. They also provide representation for people with other disabilities who appear before the Guardianship Tribunal.
The Mental Health Association NSW Inc is a non-government organisation and registered charity funded by NSW Health. The Association's major activities include provision of the Mental Health Information Service, the Facing Anxiety Program, support groups (including training and establishment of new groups), mental health promotion and advocacy. It promotes opportunities for people to achieve their optimal level of mental health through providing information, education about mental health, mutual support and advocacy services.
The Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) is the peak body for community mental health organisations in New South Wales.
The Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) is the peak, national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector. The Council is committed to achieving better mental health for all Australians.
The Mental Health Review Tribunal is a specialist quasi-judicial body established under the Mental Health Act 2007. It has a wide range of powers that enable it to make and review orders, and to hear some appeals about the treatment and care of people with a mental illness.
MotherSafe is a free service for women in NSW. The service provides a comprehensive counselling service for women and their healthcare providers concerned about exposures during pregnancy and lactation.
The Mental Health Services Conference Incorporated (The MHS) is a learning network for improving mental health services in Australasia. The MHS provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, professional development, networking and debate for professionals, consumers, carers (families), and managers. The MHS aims to promote positive attitudes about mental health and mental illness, and to stimulate debate that will challenge the boundaries of present knowledge and ideas about mental health care.
The Guardianship Tribunal is a legal tribunal established under the Guardianship Act 1987. The Tribunal has a key role in the protection and empowerment of people living with a decision making disability. It exercises a protective jurisdiction and facilitates substitute decision making by hearing and determining applications for the appointment of guardians and financial managers for adults with decision making disabilities.
The New South Wales Consumer Advisory Group - Mental Health Inc. (NSW CAG) is a statewide organisation that provides an ongoing mechanism for mental health consumer participation into policy and service development, implementation and evaluation. NSW CAG acts as a bridge between consumers in NSW and State and Federal Governments.
The Office of the Public Guardian exists to promote the rights and interests of people with disabilities through the practice of guardianship, advocacy and education. The Guardianship Tribunal appoints the NSW Public Guardian as guardian of last resort and the Public Guardian then acts as a substitute decision-maker for people under her guardianship. The Office is part of the NSW Attorney General's Department.
Official Visitors are appointed by the NSW Minister for Health to visit people in mental health inpatient facilities in NSW and are available to assist consumers on community treatment orders. They are independent from the health system and come from the community from a range of cultural, professional and personal backgrounds.
Reach Out is a web-based service that inspires young people to help themselves through tough times and find ways to boost their own mental health and wellbeing. The aim of the service is to improve young people's mental health and well being by building skills and providing information, support and referrals in ways we know work for young people. The service is run by the Inspire Foundation.
The Richmond Fellowship of New South Wales (RFNSW) is a non-profit, non-government organisation without any religious affiliations. RFNSW has been providing accommodation and outreach support to people with psychiatric disability and mental health problems for over 30 years.
SANE Australia is a national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness - through campaigning, education and research. The organisation conducts innovative programs and campaigns to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends. Sane also operates a helpline.
The Schizophrenia Fellowship is a non profit community based organisation working in the field of mental illness. The organisation is committed to improving the circumstances and welfare of people living with schizophrenia, their relatives and carers. The Fellowship also provides assistance to professionals working in the area.
The Schizophrenia Library is a world first, free online one stop shop for a wide range of information on schizophrenia. A wide range of topics will be grouped into nine different categories, including treatment, signs and symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, course and outcome, physical factors, comorbid conditions, population perspective and families.
The Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TMHC) is a statewide service that promotes access to mental health services for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It is involved in clinical consultation and assessment, transcultural mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, publication and resource development and education and training.
The Tresillian's 24-Hour Parents Help Line- (02) 9787 0855 or Freecall 1800 637 357 provides on the spot advice on settling babies, breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, introducing solids, the baby's routine, relationship issues, depression and anxiety, coping with the new role as Mum or dad and toddler, and preschooler management.
The Triple P-Positive Parenting Program is a multi-level, parenting and family support strategy. Triple P aims to prevent behavioural, emotional and developmental problems in children by enhancing the knowledge, skills and confidence of parents.
The Young Carer Program at Carers NSW aims to make a positive difference to the lives of young carers (25 yrs and under) and their families. Young carers NSW is an organisation that offers support to children and young people under the age of 26 who care for and support a family member who has a long term physical illness, mental health problem, and disability or alcohol problem.
The Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) is the peak, national, non-government organisation representing the interests of the Australian alcohol and other drugs sector and providing a national voice for people working to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs. ADCA works collaboratively with the government, non-government, business and community sectors to promote evidence-based, socially just, approaches aimed at preventing or reducing the health, economic and social harm caused by alcohol and other drugs to individuals, families, communities and the nation.
The Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) aims to work together to prevent alcohol and other drug problems in communities. ADF educates and motivates Australians to prevent alcohol and other drug-related harm, particularly aiming at those aged under 30 years.
The Australian Drug Information Network (ADIN) provides a central point of access to Internet-based alcohol and drug information provided by prominent organisations in Australia and internationally. ADIN brings alcohol and drug information to the user via a large collection of websites, and links the user to websites and databases. Through ADIN, interested organizations and individuals can search, receive, and share current relevant information on licit and illicit drug issues.
Al-Anon/Alateen helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with someone whose drinking is a problem. Similarly, Alateen is a recovery program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members. Alateen provides support for teenagers affected by the problem drinking of a parent or other family member.
The Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) was established in 1976 by Act of Parliament, following a report by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Sale of Liquor. The Commission recommended establishing a permanent council whose aim was to encourage responsible use and minimise misuse.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
The AER Foundation is an independent, charitable organisation working to prevent the harmful use of alcohol in Australia.
The Canadian Alcohol Policy Network mission is to facilitate the development of policies that prevent problems associated with alcohol use and enhance the health, safety and well-being of individuals and communities across Ontario.
The American Council for Drug Education is a substance abuse prevention and education agency that develops programs and materials based on the most current scientific research on drug use and its impact on society.
The Australian Centre for Addiction Research (ACAR) is an interdisciplinary network of scientists, clinicians, academic professionals and officials engaged in promoting applied research aimed at prevention and clinical management of addictive behaviours.
The Australian Institute of Criminology aims to disseminate quality information on alcohol and illicit drug use in Australia. The Australian Institute of Criminology's role in this area includes undertaking research and providing information on the link between criminal activity and alcohol and illicit drugs.
The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) was established as part of the Federal government's response to reduce the harm caused by drugs in our community. An important component of the ANCD's work is to ensure that policies, strategies and directions in the drug and alcohol field are consistent with the National Drug Strategic Framework.
The Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) is dedicated to raising awareness about the problems related to the use of alcohol and other drugs, and to promoting improved standards in clinical practice and in research into this and allied subjects.
The Beckley Foundation is an American charity that seeks to change global drugs policy to reflect a more rational, evidence-based approach, shifting the emphasis from criminalisation to health.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse provides national leadership and evidence-informed analysis and advice to reduce alcohol and other drug-related harm in Canada. The website provides useful information on substance abuse issues.
The Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (AChAM) is established within the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The Chapter educates and supports medical practitioners who work with people who have problems arising from the use of drugs. Information is available regarding Addiction Medicine and the Fellowship training program.
The Drug Policy Alliance was formally known as the Lindesmith Centre. This policy and research institute is an essential resource concerning drug policy and harm reduction. Includes a lot of full-text literature on topics such as substitution and maintenance approaches.
DrugScope is an independent centre of expertise on drugs in the United Kingdom. Their aim is to inform policy development and reduce drug-related risk. They provide quality drug information, promote effective responses to drug taking, undertake research at local, national and international levels, advice on policy-making, encourage informed debate and speak for member organisations working on the ground.
A website designed to assist families throughout Australia to deal with alcohol and drug issues in a way that strengthens relationships and achieves positive outcomes.
The Indigenous Australian Alcohol & Other Drug Databases is a database that contains references, keywords and brief annotations for over 600 items on Indigenous Australian substance use.
The core aim of the United Kingdom Institute of Alcohol Studies is to serve public interest on public policy issues linked to alcohol, by advocating for the use of scientific evidence in policy-making to reduce alcohol-related harm.
The National Alcohol Strategy 2006-2011 was developed as a response to the patterns of high risk alcohol consumption that are prevalent in Australia. It is estimated that about 3200 people die as a result of excessive alcohol consumption and around 81,000 people are hospitalised annually. The cost to the Australian community of alcohol-related social problems was estimated to be $15.3 billion in 2004/05.
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) is a collaborative venture between Flinders University and the South Australian Department of Health. NCETA. It is an internationally recognised research Centre that works as a catalyst for change in the alcohol and drugs field.
The Australian National Drug and Alcohol Awards is an annual event that encourage, recognise and celebrate achievements to prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug use and harm in Australia. The Awards are open to all people and organisations that work in the alcohol, other drugs and related sectors. The Awards are a collaborative effort of the Ted Noffs Foundation (TNF), the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) and the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD).
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) is a premier research institution in Australia and is recognised internationally as a Research Centre of Excellence. The Centre is multidisciplinary and collaborates with medicine, psychology, social science and other schools of the University of NSW, as well as with a range of other institutions and individuals in Australia and overseas.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund exists to support the implementation of the National Drug Strategy for the purpose of preventing and reducing the harmful effects of licit and illicit drug use in Australian society.
The National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) conducts and disseminates high quality research that contributes to the primary prevention of harmful drug use and the reduction of drug related harm in Australia. NDRI is located at Curtin University's Health Research Campus and receives core funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
The National Drug Strategy, a cooperative venture between Australian, state and territory governments and the non-government sector, is aimed at improving health, social and economic outcomes for Australians by preventing the uptake of harmful drug use and reducing the harmful effects of licit and illicit drugs in our society.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the lead government agency in America for research on alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and other health effects of alcohol.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is the American Federal focal point for research on drug abuse and addiction. NIDA addresses the most fundamental and essential questions about drug abuse - from detecting and responding to emerging drug abuse trends and understanding how drugs work in the brain and body to developing and testing new treatment and prevention approaches.
The National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Related Disorders Inc. (NOFASARD) was established in Adelaide in 1998. It is Australia's peak body representing parents, carers and others interested in or affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse role is to improve the availability, accessibility and effectiveness of treatment for drug dependency in England and to maximise the benefits of that treatment for individuals, their families and communities.
This site is a 'whole of government' approach to illicit drug issues. It is a portal site and aims to harness information and resources available via the internet.
The Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies (NADA) is the peak organisation for the non government drug and alcohol sector in NSW.
The Alcohol Information Website outlines NSW Government policies on alcohol including the responsible supply and consumption of alcohol; alcohol advertising; and the role of parents, families, industry and the broader community in reducing alcohol abuse. The site also includes 'Changing the culture on alcohol use in New South Wales' - the Government's response to the 2003 Summit on Alcohol Abuse.
The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) is accountable for the development, implementation and integrity of the overall regulatory framework across alcohol, licensed clubs, charitable fundraising and gambling activities in NSW.
The principal purpose of the American Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is to establish policies, priorities, and objectives for the America's drug control program. The goals of the program are to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing, trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences.
The National Clearing House for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI). The U.S. gateway to alcohol and other drug (AOD) information for the public and professionals. Includes US statistical reports, model programs, and sources of help for AOD problems.
Reach Out is a web-based service that aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 14-25 years by providing them with information, support and skills development and by working with health professionals to strengthen the pathways between online and community based service delivery.
Register of Australian Drug and Alcohol Research (RADAR) is a project of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia. RADAR aims to promote awareness of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs research in Australia. The register contains up-to-date records of current and recently completed research projects with details of published research.
This Rethinking Drinking initiative seeks to provide practical help to students, teachers and parents on how to minimise the harms associated with alcohol misuse. The project aims to encourage families to discuss alcohol issues - by providing information to students, parents and other care givers at 'Alcohol Information Nights'.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.
Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre was established in 1994 to provide leadership to the drug and alcohol field in Victoria and is formally affiliated with Monash University.
United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices.
The Youth Substance Abuse Services supports and strengthens vulnerable young people affected by drug and alcohol use, mental illness and social disconnection in order to improve their health, wellbeing and participation in the community.
The Alliance's aim is to support and enhance the work of Divisions of General Practice. Central to this is ensuring that the voice of General Practice in NSW is heard during the planning and implementation of health services at a state and national level.
The Attorney General's Department of NSW administers the courts, tribunals, laws and justice programs of the State.
The Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse is an information and advisory unit focused on the enhancement of family relationships across the lifespan. The Clearinghouse is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Attorney-General's Department.
The Australian Institute of Criminology is Australia's national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. Australian Institute of Criminology seeks to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice.
This site is an interactive electronic clearing house for everyone involved in community level social, economic and environmental renewal including community leaders, community & government workers, volunteers, program managers, academics, policy makers, youth and seniors.
The Community Relations Commission is the leading government agency supporting multicultural communities in NSW. It builds strong relationships with ethnic community groups and develops and fosters extensive networks throughout various communities through its programs and services. As such, the CRC is positioned to provide comprehensive advice to government on multicultural issues.
The College of Nursing is a peak professional body representing nurses across Australia. It is the largest and most established provider of quality clinical specialty development and postgraduate nursing education in Australia.
The NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and works to build stronger families and communities. DoCS provides child protection services, parenting support and early intervention, foster care, adoption services and help for communities affected by disaster. The DoCS website has relevant resource material available through the news and publications link and the parents, carers and families link. There is also a parenting information and dual diagnosis support kit for parents and for children.
The Families NSW website provides links to many of the services and projects that make up Families NSW. Families NSW is the NSW Government's prevention and early intervention strategy for families expecting, or with children aged 0-8 years.
Geriaction is a professional organisation that is committed to improving the quality of life of all older persons through advocacy, education and support to members.
HealthInsite is an Australian Government initiative, funded by the Department of Health and Ageing. It aims to improve the health of Australians by providing easy access to quality information about human health.
Justice Health provides health care in a complex environment to people in the adult correctional system, to those in courts and police cells, to juvenile detainees and to those within the NSW forensic mental health system and in the community.
Mission Australia is a community service organisation committed to eliminating disadvantage and creating a fairer Australia. The organisation helps those in need to find pathways to a better life. Mission Australia assists clients with employment, training, housing, family, youth and community services issues.
The National Missing Persons Coordinating Centre (NMPCC) is funded by the Federal Government through the Australian Federal Police. Its mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of missing persons and to educate the Australian community about this significant issue.
The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (Multicultural Communication) provides information and services to assist health professionals to communicate with non English speaking communities throughout New South Wales. The NSW Department of Health funds the Service, and endorses the multilingual health information published on the website.
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) is a statistical and research agency within the NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice. It was established in 1969. BOSCAR assists assist policy makers and administrators in the criminal justice system to develop and implement strategies which reduce crime, and provide a more efficient, effective and equitable justice system.
The NSW Commission for Children and Young People is an independent organisation working with others to make NSW a better place for children and young people.
The NSW Department of Juvenile Justice supervises and cares for young offenders in the community and in detention centres. It provides youth justice conferences for young offenders referred by police or the courts.
Ozanam Industries is a Special Work of the St Vincent de Paul Society dedicated to supplying high quality service solutions to the Australian business community. Ozanam Industries proudly employs over 100 Australians with varying forms of disabilities in a supervised, monitored and supportive work environment.
The Raising Children website provides information that can help parents with the day-to-day decisions of raising children. The website was developed with the help of an extensive network including the Australian Government.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is the principal organisation representing the medical specialty of psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand. The College is responsible for training, examining and awarding the Fellowship of the College qualification to medical practitioners.
The NSW Refugee Health Service was set up by the NSW Department of Health in 1999 to help meet some of these challenges. The service aims to promote the health of people from a refugee background living in NSW by assisting refugees and the health professionals who work with them.
The Salvation Army is a church based organisation providing a wide range of services and programs to address areas of need in the community.
St Vincents de Paul is a non for profit church based organisation dedicated to relieving the sufferings of the poor. A range of services and programs are provided to the general community.
Looks at a broad range of youth issues such as money, law, environment, and housing.
