Crisis and community support
For immediate help in a crisis, please contact one of the following services.
Triple Zero (000) - Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue
Contact Emergency Services on Triple Zero (000) in life threatening or emergency situations.
Contact your nearest Emergency Department
If you need medical assistance or urgent support.
Defence specific support services
Defence Member and Family Helpline
Defence provides a range of services, assistance and resources to support ADF members and their families.
Safe Zone Support, Open Arms
Free and anonymous counselling line for all serving and ex-serving members, and their families.
Defence All-Hours Support Line
A confidential helpline for ADF members and their families facilitating access to ADF or civilian mental health services.
Phoenix Australia, DVA
A confidential helpline for ADF members and their families facilitating access to ADF or civilian mental health services.
Servulink Digital Hub
A comprehensive online map detailing a broad range of services for the Defence and veteran community across Australia.
Advocates, DVA
Information and where you can find an advocate. Advocates can help you with DVA claims, reviews and appeals and help you access information and referrals for a range of services.
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
ACU’s Veteran Entry Program converts your service experience into a selection rank; 2 years in the ADF will grant you access into most ACU Bachelor degrees.
National support services
Beyond Blue
Speak to a counsellor on the phone or online, or connect with a peer support community.
Mindspot Clinic
A free online mental health clinic. Call or complete an online screening assessment.
SANE Australia
Phone service and webchat for people with recurring, persistent or complex mental health issues and trauma, and for their families, friends and community.
StandBy – Support After Suicide
Assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide. Support offered over phone, face to face and community workshops and resources.
Befrienders Worldwide
Confidential emotional support to anyone in crisis, anywhere in the world.
Online tools
Open Arms self-help tools
Treatment tools designed to help serving and ex-serving ADF members and their families manage stress and build resilience.
PTSD COACH app
Phone app, developed in the US, can help Veterans learn about and manage symptoms that can occur after trauma.
myCompass, Black Dog Institute
A self-help tool for mental health.
M-Carm and Go Geyond
Questionnaire and customised self-help tools for managing the challenges of transition and post-transition.
Legal and Complaints services
National Legal Aid
Connecting you with state-based Legal Aids who provide services for those who are economically or socially disadvantaged.
Commonwealth Ombudsman - Defence Force Complaints
Free complaint handling mechanism, independent of Defence. Helping with administrative matters which Defence or Defence agencies have not resolved.
