I’m a young person and I need help

Whatever you’re going through — even if you don’t have it all figured out — there are people who want to help. You don’t have to handle everything alone. Here’s where to go.

Step 1: If you’re in immediate danger, call 000

If you’re not safe — if someone is hurting you, if you’re thinking about harming yourself, if you’re in any kind of emergency — call 000. Police and ambos are there to help. You won’t get in trouble for calling 000 in a real emergency.

Step 2: 13YARN — 13 92 76 (Aboriginal crisis line, 24/7)

13YARN is Australia’s Aboriginal-specific crisis support line. It’s for mob who are going through a hard time. It’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call 13 92 76 if you’re:

• Feeling overwhelmed or in crisis
• Worried about someone else
• Just need someone to talk to who understands Aboriginal culture and experience

You can also text 0429 367 966 if you can’t talk.

This is free and confidential.

Step 3: headspace Mildura — (03) 5022 5444

headspace is for young people aged 12-25. They help with:

• Mental health
• Drug and alcohol
• Work and study
• Physical health
• Sexual assault

headspace Mildura is at 107 Pine Street, Mildura and covers the whole Mallee region. If you’re under 25, this is a good place to start for almost anything.

You can walk in or call. You don’t need a referral.

Step 4: Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800

If you’re under 18 and need to talk to someone, Kids Helpline is available 24/7. Call 1800 55 1800 or text 0488 886 422.

It’s free, private, and the people who answer are trained to help young people with all kinds of problems.

Step 5: ReachOut.com — online support

If you can’t call right now, or prefer to type, ReachOut.com is an online mental health service for young people. You can get information, read stories from other young people, and access self-help tools.

Go to reachout.com

Step 6: If you need housing

If you’re homeless or can’t safely stay where you are, call 1800 825 955 (Victoria’s homelessness hotline). They can connect you with youth-specific crisis accommodation. If you’re under 18, they will involve youth services and the situation will be handled carefully.

Step 7: If someone is hurting you or you’re not safe

This is not your fault. If someone is hurting you physically, emotionally, or sexually:

• 13YARN 13 92 76 can help
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 can help
• You can also talk to a trusted adult — a teacher, a relative, a friend’s parent

If it’s serious and immediate — call 000.

Step 8: If you’re struggling at school or with study

headspace can help with study and work issues. Your school should also have an Aboriginal Education Officer — they are there to support you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help at school.

Key numbers

• 000 — Emergency
• 13 92 76 — 13YARN (Aboriginal crisis line, 24/7)
• 1800 55 1800 — Kids Helpline (under 18s, 24/7)
• (03) 5022 5444 — headspace Mildura (12-25)
• 1800 825 955 — Victoria’s homelessness hotline
• reachout.com — Online support