World Suicide Prevention Day—Australians are invited to reflect on lives lost to suicide, while reminding everyone that help is always within reach. Did you know nine Australians die by suicide every day? Lifeline’s “Out of the Shadows” walks—such as the one in Toowoomba—symbolise each of those lives, offering a moment to remember, connect, and raise awareness.
If you or someone you know is struggling, a suite of free, round-the-clock support services is available nationwide:
Lifeline: 24/7 crisis support—phone 13 11 14.
13 YARN: For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—phone 13 92 76, available 24/7.
Kids Helpline: Free online and phone counselling for those aged 5–25—1800 55 1800, available around the clock.
Suicide Call Back Service: Offers telephone and online counselling to anyone impacted by suicide—1300 659 467.
StandBy Support After Suicide: Provides face-to-face or phone support for bereaved individuals—1300 727 247.
Roses in The Ocean Peer CARE Companion Warmline: A lifeline for people with lived experiences of suicide bereavement—1800 77 7337.
Beyond crisis support, Medicare Mental Health services offer accessible, free and confidential pathways to wellbeing for anyone in Australia—no referral or diagnosis needed.
Key offerings include:
Medicare Mental Health Centres: Welcoming spaces open without appointment or GP referral. Staffed by mental health professionals and people with lived experience, these centres deliver immediate support through short- to medium-term care. They also help connect individuals to longer-term resources.
Phone Service: Free support line—1800 595 212, available Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm (excluding public holidays). Trained professionals offer advice and referrals to suit individual needs.
Kids Hubs: Safe, welcoming environments tailored to children aged 0–12 experiencing emotional, developmental or behavioural challenges. Families and carers also receive free guidance and care support.
These Medicare Mental Health Centres are being rolled out across the country, with governments collaborating to establish 61 such centres by mid-2026. While many are rebranded from the former “Head to Health” network, the aim is to increase public awareness that these services are free, non-judgmental, and easy to access.
Moreover, for those seeking tailored local care, Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals provide free support to people aged 26 and over—no Medicare card, referral, or plan needed. These services include peer workers, psychologists, social workers, and more, and are designed to offer the kind of close-to-home, flexible support many need.
For young Australians (12–25 years), headspace continues to offer comprehensive, low-cost or free services via its 156+ centres nationwide—providing therapy, youth work, employment and alcohol/drug support. Young people can also access eheadspace, an online and phone-based service operating daily, though not suitable for emergencies.
Despite these strides, psychologists and advocacy groups continue to call for expanded Medicare coverage, urging the government to double subsidised psychology sessions from 10 to 20 per year and raise rebates—highlighting a growing need amid spikes in suicide and self-harm.
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