Support lines and where to get help
If a charge has brought something else to the surface, or you are not coping. Free lines, 24 hours where marked, for drugs and alcohol, mental health, domestic violence, and money.
A criminal charge is one of the most stressful things that happens to most people, and it often lands on top of the thing that caused it. The lines below are free, most are 24 hours, and calling one is not a sign of weakness or a mark against you. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
- If you are not sleeping, not eating, or not coping, phone Lifeline tonightSection 1 of this guide
- If drugs or alcohol are part of what happened, phone ADIS for a local serviceSection 2 of this guide
- Tell one person you trust what is going onSection 5 of this guide
There is no wrong place on this page. If nothing here fits, phone Lifeline and they will find the right service.
| Emergency | 000 |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14, 24 hours |
| Alcohol and Drug Information Service (NSW) | 1800 250 015, 24 hours |
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636, 24 hours |
| 1800RESPECT | 1800 737 732, 24 hours |
| MensLine | 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours |
| 13YARN | 13 92 76, 24 hours, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people |
| National Debt Helpline | 1800 007 007 |
| LawAccess NSW | 1300 888 529 |
1If you are not coping
Now
Lifeline, 13 11 14, 24 hours, phone, text or chat. For anyone in distress, and for anyone thinking about harming themselves. Beyond Blue, 1300 22 4636, 24 hours, for anxiety and depression. MensLine, 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours, for men, including relationship and anger issues. 13YARN, 13 92 76, 24 hours, run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. If you are in immediate danger, or someone else is, call 000.
2Drugs and alcohol
Services
Alcohol and Drug Information Service, 1800 250 015, 24 hours, NSW. Confidential advice and referral to free local drug and alcohol services. SMART Recovery Australia, free weekly meetings, in person and online; see the guide. Your GP, for a mental health treatment plan and referral to counselling.
3Domestic and family violence
Services
1800RESPECT, 1800 737 732, 24 hours, for anyone experiencing or affected by domestic, family or sexual violence, including people who are worried about their own behaviour. NSW Domestic Violence Line, 1800 656 463, 24 hours. Men's Referral Service, 1300 766 491, for men who want to change their behaviour.
4Money
Fines and debt
National Debt Helpline, 1800 007 007, free financial counselling. Revenue NSW for time to pay a fine or a work and development order. LawAccess NSW, 1300 888 529, for legal information and referral, including about fines.
Numbers
Requires principal review before release: confirm every number on this page is current.
5One person
The other thing
The people who come through a charge best are usually the ones who told someone. A partner, a parent, a friend, a boss. The charge is not a secret the court will keep, and carrying it alone until the court date is the harder way. Tell one person this week.
General information only, not legal advice. NSW-specific. Every matter turns on its own facts and laws can change. Reading this guide does not create a solicitor-client relationship between you and the lawyers who produced it.