If you have a mental health condition(s), whether diagnosed or not, it can make successful completion of your course more difficult. Contributing factors include:
- Difficulty paying attention or understanding the content taught in class, due to symptoms of the illness and/or effects of medication
- Fear of failure or discrimination by classmates
- Frequent absences due to the nature of the mental illness
- Life issues that impact on your ability to study such as financial, relationships and/or housing stress
If you can get help to improve your mental health, and overcome these challenges to your studies, research in the vocational training sector shows that reaching achievable goals, such as a certificate at TAFE, helps people to develop skills that may improve coping skills with mental illness.
Wellbeing Framework (870 KB) (PDF document)
The NMTAFE Wellbeing Framework is dynamic, based upon three key elements that underpin the College’s activities and strategies which are shaped according to changing circumstances and implemented to support all staff and students to achieve a positive state of Wellbeing.
Mental health emergencies
Police, fire, ambulance call 000
Call if there is a threat to life (or go to a Hospital Emergency Department)
Mental Health Emergency Response Line call 1300 555 788
For anyone involved in a mental health emergency in the community – including individuals, families/carers, member of the general public or health professionals, provided by the East Metropolitan Health Service.
Suicide Call Back Service call 1300 659 467
Nationwide service offering assistance 24 hours per day, seven days per week for people over 18 who may feel suicidal or who know someone who may be at risk of suicide
Lifeline call 13 11 14
Crisis support. Suicide prevention.
Kids Helpline call 1800 551 800
Free, confidential, 24/7 online and phone counselling service (includes 18-25yrs). Deals with mental health problems, family/relationship violence and abuse, personality disorders, sexuality, alcohol and drugs and other issues.
Free support provided by NMTAFE
NMTAFE has a Student Support structure in place to ensure you can access the help you need to reach your goals of completing a qualification and obtain work relevant to your skills.
If you are experiencing mental distress, for example, anxiety, panic episodes, depression, you can have 3 appointments at no cost with NMTAFE’s external Psychology service, PeopleSense.
How do I book an appointment with PeopleSense?
To access the service students should:
- Request a referral from an NMTAFE staff member.
- Complete the Student Consent Form to confirm you give permission for NMTAFE to pass your name to PeopleSense.
- Return the form to an NMTAFE staff member who will forward to PeopleSense.
- Contact PeopleSense to book your own appointment.
Please be aware, if you make an appointment and then do not attend or cancel the appointment within 24 hours, you will be responsible for paying the costs of the appointment.
Alternatively, an NMTAFE Staff member can send you an email with the Student Consent information, which you complete and by clicking the link in the email, reply to NMTAFE's Wellbeing Support team, who contact PeopleSense to confirm your referral. You then book an appointment with PeopleSense using the information provided in the email.
School students who are registered with the VETDSS program should contact their High School to access support.
If you are a student with a diagnosed mental health condition and are on medication, or require other support recommended by your medical practitioner to manage your studies, then you are encouraged to contact our Accessibility and Learning Support team
Other services you can contact for help
You can book an appointment with a Doctor/General Practitioner if you are experiencing mental health issues. You may already have a family or a regular GP. You can ask your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). They will conduct a short assessment and may suggest psychological intervention, medication or both as a way of helping you recover. If a MHCP is provided, and if you are on a low income or Centrelink payments, you can access six free psychology sessions initially, with further free sessions available if necessary. Most GP’s work with local psychology practices and will refer you.
Free counselling provided by external services
The services provided by the external services below are all suitable to be accessed by young adults.
Located in Joondalup, Osborne Park, Midland, Rockingham and Fremantle.
W headspace.org.au(opens in a new tab)
T (08) 9208 9555
Headspace is a free and confidential service that helps young people aged 12-25 with health & wellbeing services.
Headspace Osborne Park includes the following free services:
- Youth counsellor
- Alcohol & Drug counsellor
- Bulk-billing Psychology Services (under a GP Mental Health Care Plan)
- Youth Early Psychosis Program
- Sexual Education and Sexuality Counselling
- Support for family & carers of young people with mental health issues
Located in Burswood, Joondalup, Leederville, Rockingham
W youthfocus.com.au(opens in a new tab)
Youth Focus is a for-purpose organisation that creates brighter futures for young people in Western Australia by offering a range of mental health services.
Lifeline also provides the following services:
- Life After Separation: Successful co-parenting workshops
- Separated Parent and Grief Counselling
T (08) 9261 4444
E reception@lifelinewa.org.au
W wa.lifeline.org.au
Located in Leederville
W (opens in a new tab) YMCA WA | Youth Services(opens in a new tab)
YMCA Youth Services offers a wide range of youth services that encourage young people to develop in body, mind and spirit. Their focus is on supporting young people on their journey to becoming their healthiest, happiest selves.
Located in East Perth and Burswood
W www.mhc.wa.gov.au
DAYS is a free and confidential service that provides young people and their families with access to a comprehensive range of alcohol and drug services.
Located in Perth
W www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au/our-services/service-directory/sarc(opens in a new tab)
SARC provides emergency services including medical, forensic and counselling support, up to 2 weeks after a sexual assault. The first step for getting help at SARC is to telephone the service.
Contact in an emergency after a sexual assault
You can telephone SARC at any time of the day or night following a recent sexual assault.
T 1800 199 888 (free call from landlines)
Contact for Crisis Counselling
If you are in crisis emotionally, you can speak to a SARC counsellor over the telephone between 8.30am and 11pm any day of the week.
T (08) 6458 1828
Request a Counselling appointment
Telephone SARC between 8.30am and 4.30pm to request a counselling appointment.
T (08) 6458 1828
SARC services are available to:
- People of all genders
- People 13 years of age and older
- People affected by sexual assault, including rape; and sexual abuse
- Family members and partners of a person who has experienced sexual violence .
Perpetrators of sexual violence cannot use SARC services, even if they are also a victim of sexual violence.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
W 13YARN
T 13 92 76 to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns without judgement.
13 Yarn is a 24/7 nationally available crisis hotline, run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the support of Lifeline.
They provide a confidential and culturally safe space and will work with you to explore options for on-going support.
W Brother To Brother - Dardi Munwurro
T 1800 435 799
Brother to Brother is a crisis line that provides phone support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues or who are struggling to cope for other reasons.
The 24-hour crisis line is staffed by Aboriginal men, including Elders, who have a lived experience in the issues that the line offers support for.
W Postvention Support | Thirrili
T 1800 805 801
After Suicide Support provides support to individuals, families, and communities affected by suicide or other significant trauma.
A Postvention Advocate can be contacted 24/7. The telephone service is usually answered by one of our Indigenous Suicide Postvention Advocates. If for some reason the call is diverted to message bank, callers are asked to leave a message with their best contact number and the Indigenous Suicide Postvention Advocate will call them back as soon as possible.
WellMob brings together online resources made by and for our mob. Here you will find websites, apps, podcasts, videos, helplines, social media, and online programs all with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing.
Drugs and alcohol
W Non-residential Services | Range Of Programs And Services (cyrenianhouse.com)
E enquiry@cyrenianhouse.com
T (08) 9328 9200
Cyrenian House Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Service have experienced alcohol and other drug counsellors available to discuss your individual treatment needs and to help you to establish and set goals.
If you are seeking information about the effects of alcohol and or drug use on your health and wellbeing or seeking strategies to assist you to reduce or stop your use, they are here to help.
W Drug and Alcohol Youth Service (DAYS) (mhc.wa.gov.au)
T (08) 9222 6300 between 8:30am-4:30pm
Drug & Alcohol Youth Service (DAYS) is a free and confidential service located in East Perth which provides young people (aged 12 to 21) and their families with access to a comprehensive range of alcohol and drug services including counselling, case management and support, mentoring (including Aboriginal mentoring), medical reviews, clinical psychology and more.
W National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline | Our Directory | eMHPrac
T 1800 250 015
Available 24/7, this service is free and offers confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, offers support, information, counselling and referral to services.
Family & Domestic Violence | Sexual Abuse
W Family and Domestic Violence | Womens Health & Family Services (whfs.org.au)
T (08) 6330 5400
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service is a free service which helps women who have experienced, or are at risk of domestic violence, access support.
They can assist with safety planning, applying for a restraining order, obtaining support and advice from legal services and referrals to other agencies (including counselling services).
W Homeless Services & Accommodation in Perth | Entrypoint Perth
W Online registration form
T 6496 0001
T 1800 124 684
Entry Point Perth is a free assessment and referral service assisting people who are experiencing family and domestic violence.
This service also assists people who are newly homeless (or at risk of homelessness) in Western Australia to access accommodation and support options.
W King Edward Memorial Hospital - Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) (health.wa.gov.au)
SARC 24-hour Crisis Line any time of the day or night, seven days a weekT (08) 6458 1828
T 1800 199 888
Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) is a free service located in Perth providing crisis services (collection of forensic evidence and medical services) to people who have experienced a recent sexual assault (rape) in the last two weeks and counselling for sexual assault/abuse experienced recently or in the past.
Services are available for people of all sexualities and gender identities aged 13 years and above.
Your Tool Kit is a free, online, step-by-step guide on personal safety, support services and money matters for people experiencing family and domestic violence.
It assists by breaking down what steps to take to stay safe when in a family or domestic violence situation for example making a safety plan, documentation required, collecting evidence for Centrelink, how to attain a violent restraining order (VRO), and more.
Food
W Find Food Support From Foodbank Australia
T 08 9258 9277
Food Bank WA provides assistance with food and groceries. They can lend a helping hand with regards to accessing affordable hampers, groceries and pre-made meals at your local Foodbank branch.
Simply type in your postcode to find food assistance near you or call us.
Food Bank also assists with planning and cooking healthy budget friendly meals, food delivery and more.
W Accessing Emergency Relief and food (financialcounsellingnetwork.org.au)(opens in a new tab)
T Free-call 1800 979 777
From 9.30am – 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
If you are unable to make a phone call, you can lodge an online enquiry.
Emergency Relief assistance provides emergency relief to people experiencing financial hardship, in the form of food vouchers, bill payment support and more.
Homelessness and emergency housing support
W www.centrecare.com.au(opens in a new tab)
Centrecare is a Catholic organisation providing extensive outreach and specialised counselling services, in the metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia. Services include accommodation and support, including support for people at risk of homelessness, financial counselling, gambling help, youth and family support services, indigenous specific services, and family dispute resolution services.
W www.anglicarewa.org.au(opens in a new tab)
Anglicare is an Anglican Church-run organisation providing support to families, youth, children, LBTQI counselling for sexual abuse support, financial assistance, disability services, youth, parenting, separation counselling services, homelessness and housing, and domestic violence support.
Y-Shac, run by Anglicare, assists young people aged 15 to 20 years old who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in crisis accommodation and youth aged 16 to 25 years old who are in transitional housing.
Contact for Y-Shac Rockingham
T (08) 9523 3400
E yshac.rockingham@anglicarewa.org.au
Contact for Y-Shac Spearwood
T (08) 9412 0673
E yshac.spearwood@anglicarewa.org.au
W 55central.asn.au/crisis-accommodation-service
T (08) 9272 1333
55 Central is a crisis accommodation service, for single adult males between 18 and 65 years old.
W Homelessness support and accommodation | The Salvation Army Australia
The Beacon is a major crisis service in Perth, providing accommodation, case management and a comprehensive range of services to adults who are experiencing homelessness.
W Need Help? | Perth Fortress Corps | The Salvation Army Australia
T (08) 9260 9599 (Monday to Friday 8.30am–3.30pm)
Perth Fortress Corp can help by finding a safe place to stay, enough food for your family, or other necessities such as clothing for the kids.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday they have a night-time Street Outreach service. This service provides hot meals for homeless people in various locations around Perth starting from around 7pm and finishing at 11pm.
The teams can also distribute warm blankets and offer some transport to services or simply to a safer place.
W Housing and homelessness | Ruah Community Services(opens in a new tab)
T 13 7824
Ruah Community Services can help with ongoing homelessness. Their team are available for walk-through support at 134 Aberdeen Street Northbridge (within Hepatitis WA building). Monday to Friday 8.30am-3.00pm, excluding public holidays.
Legal services
W Citizens Advice Bureau - Legal Advice (cabwa.com.au)
T (08) 9221 5711
To book an appointment at our Perth office, call between 9:30am-4pm Monday-Friday (excluding Public Holidays).
Citizens Advice Bureau provides a low-cost legal advice service on a wide range of issues and can prepare various simple legal documents.
They can assist with family law matters, estate matters, violence restraining order applications, guardianship & administration applications and more.
W Home | Family Relationships Online
T 1800 050 321 and advise that you are seeking legal advice and the advice line staff will organise a time for a lawyer to contact you.
Family Relationship Advice Line can help you with free legal advice and information about services available to assist you with family relationship issues including information relating to family law proceedings.
W Mental Health Law Centre: Home (mhlcwa.org.au)
E legalservices@ruah.org.au
T (08) 9328 8012
T 1800 620 285
Mental Health Law Centre- provide free legal advice and representation to help people with chronic mental illness. Examples of the types of assistance provided include criminal matters, involuntary treatment, guardianship and administration and restraining orders.
LGBTQIA+ resources
W www.freedom.org.au(opens in a new tab)
Located in Leederville and online, the Freedom Centre helps to support young people and their families by educating them on diverse sexuality and identity. They also run a drop-in space for trans and gender questioning young people under the age of 18 & their families.
W Home | PFLAG Perth (pflagwa.org.au)
T 0404594 699
PFLAG provide a support system for families and friends of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTQIA+), along with education and advocacy in the community.
W www.pridewa.com.au/community-groups(opens in a new tab)
Pride WA’s mission is to promote and encourage the community, culture and artistic expression of all people of diverse sexuality and gender living in Western Australia, and to provide a platform for the celebration of that community, their culture and talent as they continue to champion their rights and freedoms.
Pride WA has a list of Sporting and Social community groups to potentially meet other people/friends.
W qlife.org.au(opens in a new tab)
T 1800 184 527
QLife provides counselling (webchat and phone) every day from 3pm to midnight on 1800 184 527. QLife is a free and anonymous service run by LGBTIQ+ peers for those wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. This service is available for people within the LGBTQIA+ community as well as friends and family.
Additionally, if you would like to hear people talk about their lived experiences of being part of the LGBTIQ+ community, visit QLife’s video project.
W au.reachout.com/identity/sexuality(opens in a new tab)
ReachOut.com directly helps under 25s with everyday questions and who are going through tough times by providing collaborative one-on-one support through up to four free coaching sessions. ReachOut also has resources for both parents and young people relating to LGBTQIA+ matters. This includes LGBTQIA+ related reading e.g. "The difference between gender, sex and sexuality" and "Supporting your LGBTQIA+ teen".
W au.reachout.com/relationships/families(opens in a new tab)
These ReachOut articles for under 25s cover how to manage and navigate through conflict with parents, friends or family members who may not be accepting.
W www.waac.com.au/what-we-do/counselling/lgbtqia-plus(opens in a new tab)
WAAC is a non-profit organisation with a vision for a world of positive healthy people in inclusive, connected communities. They offer counselling options for LGBTQIA+ young people aged 16 to 26 years – For people living with or affected by HIV, the sessions are free. For people who are part of the LGBTIQA+ community, the service is means-tested, works on a sliding scale, and can be negotiated on an ongoing basis with your counsellor.
Multicultural
W Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Services
E info@ishar.org.au
T 08 9345 5335
Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services provides holistic services to refugee and migrant women from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds.
Ishar is an LGBTQIA+ friendly service and welcomes women of any sexual orientation, anyone who identifies as a woman and anyone who was assigned a female identity at birth. Services include counselling, family and domestic violence assistance, women's health clinic as well as English classes.
All services are bulk-billed, low-cost or free and are provided by an all-female staff. They also provide access to free interpreters. Call or email to make an appointment.
W Multicultural Futures: Forging a multicultural society
T 08 9336 8282
Multicultural Futures provide a range of support for refugee and migrants including crisis accommodation, mental health services, domestic violence, alcohol and other drugs support and more.
W Culturally Diverse Psychological Service | Life Without Barriers (lwb.org.au)
E cdps@lwb.org.au
T 0418 724 549
Life Without Barriers - Culturally Diverse Psychological Service is a free mental health service that provides short term, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based counselling to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Clients can receive up to 10 free, confidential, and culturally appropriate counselling sessions conducted by our experienced and registered mental health professionals. Along with access to interpreters if needed, our team of Psychologists are fluent in various languages to support clients throughout their time with the service.
More online resources
Head to Health
W headtohealth.gov.au(opens in a new tab)
The federal government website Head to Health can help you find digital mental health services from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. Provides apps, online programs, online forums, and phone services, as well as a range of digital information resources.