Some people experiencing mental health problems or illness may not seek help, even though effective treatments are available.
The workplace can play an important role in determining whether someone seeks help or not. It is important that managers do not take on the role of counsellor for employees dealing with a mental health issue.
It is also important you know what support is available should an employee need it, or if you have concerns for an employee’s health and wellbeing.
Directories/search engines
The Green Book
The Green Book is a collaborative project between the Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (WANADA) and the Western Australian Association for Mental Health (WAAMH).
It contains a listing of organisations providing Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services and mental health services to the Western Australian community.
There is also a smartphone application that can be downloaded from both iTunes and Android App stores. This online version of the directory is continuously updated, serving as the most up-to-date version of the Green Book.
Head to Health
This is a national initiative operated by Healthdirect Australia on behalf of the Federal Government. The website aggregates mental health resources and content from the leading health-focused organisations in Australia.
You can access a range of mental health resources including online programs, fact sheets, audio and video and online communities
Mental Health Commission (Western Australia)
A list of mental health services and support groups is available on the Mental Health Commission’s website.
Employee assistance provider
Ensure that the details of your employee assistance provider (EAP) are easily accessible to employees.
Ensure employees understand how your EAP works, including information about confidentiality, support services and who can access it.
Medical practitioners
You may wish to encourage your employee to talk to their general practitioner (GP) or contact the after-hours GP helpline on 1800 022 222.
Emergency and crisis helplines
For immediate assistance – ALL HOURS
Police/Fire/Ambulance – 000
Police/Fire/Ambulance (from mobile) – 112 (use this number if no credit or no network cover)
Mental Health Emergency Response Line – Rapid response to mental health emergencies:
- Metro: 1300 555 788
- Peel: 1800 676 822
- Rural and remote areas (RuralLink): 1800 552 002
Lifeline 24/7 Crisis Line – Telephone crisis support, suicide intervention and prevention, mental health support service – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 (for all ages)
Men’s Line - Dedicated service for men with relationship and family concerns – 1300 789 978
Kids Helpline – Free telephone and online counselling service for young people between five and 25 years – 1800 551 800
The Samaritans Crisis Line – Non-religious, non-judgemental careline, offering emotional support to the lonely, despairing and suicidal – (08) 9381 5555 (metro).
Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) – Information, referral and counselling for substance users and family members – (08) 9442 5000
Beyond Blue – Information on a wide variety of mental health problems for sufferers, carers and professionals – 1300 224 636
SANE Australia – Information and helpline for people with mental health issues – 1800 187 263
Men's Line – Dedicated service for men with relationship and family concerns – 1300 789 978
Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline – Statewide 24-hour service. Information and support for men who have experienced family and domestic violence and telephone information, referral and counselling service for men who are concerned about their violent and abusive behaviours – (08) 9223 1199 (1800 000 599)
Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline – Free telephone support and counselling for women experiencing family and domestic violence – (08) 9223 1188
Kids Helpline – Free telephone and online counselling service for young people between 5 and 25 years – 1800 551 800
Youth Focus – Working with young people aged 12-18 years who show signs of depression, self-harm and suicide. Also supports families – (08) 9266 4333
headspace – Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation. It focuses on the mental health, social wellbeing and economic participation of young Australians aged between 12 and 25 – 1800 650 890
The Samaritans Crisis Line – Non-religious, non-judgemental careline, offering emotional support to the lonely, despairing and suicidal. Samaritans Youth Line – (08) 9388 2500, 1800 198 313 (country)
Rural Link – Specialist after-hours telephone service for the rural communities of WA. Deals with depression, mental health issues and suicide
– 1800 720 101
Crisis Care (Family Helpline) – Problems within the family, including domestic violence, homelessness, child welfare and general arguments – (08) 9223 1111 (metro) or 1800 199 008 (country)
Child Protection Unit – Within Princess Margaret Rose Hospital. Ensures that children are protected while in hospital and on discharge. Covers child abuse, injury, neglect and wellbeing – (08) 9340 8646
Parenting WA – Information, support and referral services to parents, carers, grandparents and families with children up to 18 years – (08) 6279 1200
Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) – Free assistance and support to any male or female, aged 13 years and over, who has experienced unwanted sexual contact or behaviour. Counselling also available – (08) 9340 1828
Fremantle Multicultural Centre – Crisis accommodation and settlement programs for refugees and migrants. It also operates a mental health referral program – (08) 9336 8282
Anglicare WA, Arbor – Free outreach counselling service for those bereaved by suicide or sudden death – (08) 9263 2150
Ngala Family Resource Centre – Early parenting services, support and guidance for families and young children – (08) 9368 9368
National Perinatal Depression Helpline – PANDA’s helpline is available in Australia from 10am to 5pm (AEST) Monday to Friday. Speaking with PANDA’s counsellors and trained volunteers is confidential and open to women and men as well family and friends – 1300 726 306
The Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) – Provides free and confidential, nation-wide counselling and support for war and service-related mental health conditions, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and anger – 1800 011 046.
QLife – Nation-wide telephone and web-based services to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people of all ages – 1800 184 527 (3pm – 12am (midnight) every day AEST)
Sands Australia – Sands WA is a community of bereaved parents who provide support 24/7 to other bereaved parents and their families – 1300 072 637.
Alzheimer’s Australia – The National Dementia Helpline is a telephone information and support service available across Australia – 1800 100 500 (8am - 8pm, Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm Saturday AEST, excluding public holidays)
Butterfly foundation – Eating disorder helpline – 1800 ED HOPE/ 1800 33 4673 (Monday - Friday 8am to 9pm except public holidays)
Carers WA – Provides a variety of services including free phone and face to face counselling, support groups, respite options, advice and advocacy for carers and their families – 1300 227 377
Additional information and resources - websites
HeadsUp
Heads Up is all about giving individuals and businesses free tools and resources to take action. Develop an action plan to create a mentally healthy workplace, find out about taking care of your own mental health, and get tips on having a conversation with someone you’re concerned about. However small you decide to start, take the first step towards a more mentally healthy workplace today.
Work Ombudsman
The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is the statutory agency responsible for promoting compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009. It undertakes proactive and reactive enforcement activities, including investigating complaints received by current and former employees against their employers. It also provides advice to the public through the Fair Work Infoline. From July 1, 2009, the FWO is now able to investigate matters relating to discrimination in the workplace.
JobAccess
JobAccess is an information and advice service that offers help and workplace solutions for people with disability and their employers/ managers. It includes a comprehensive website and free telephone information and advice service that provides confidential, expert advice on the employment of people with disabilities.
The Australian Human Rights Commission
The Australian Human Rights Commission leads the promotion and protection of human rights in Australia by providing education and public awareness, discrimination and human rights complaints, human rights compliance and policy and legislative development. The website provides extensive information and resources about the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, with specific reference to employment and people with disabilities and relevant information for managers.
Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit, educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in depression and bipolar disorder. The website provides information about depression and bipolar disorder, including fact sheets and online training.
For advice and guidance on work, health and safety matters contact CCIWA’s Employee Relations Advice Centre on (08) 9365 7660 or email [email protected].