Support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander young people
Where to go for help
Sometimes things can feel really tough. You might be dealing with things at home, trouble at school, bullying, feeling stressed, or just having a hard time with your thoughts and feelings.
You are not alone.
Sometimes it just helps to have a yarn with someone who will listen and take you seriously. The services below are free, confidential and available anytime.
If you're feeling unsafe right now, call 000.
Otherwise, these services are here to listen and support you.
13YARN – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support
Phone: 13 92 76
Available: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Call 13YARN to talk to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter. You can yarn with someone who understands culture and community, without judgement or shame.
Kids Helpline
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Available: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Kids Helpline provides free counselling for young people aged 5 to 25. You can call, webchat or email and speak with a trained counsellor about anything on your mind. No problem is too big or too small.
Yarn Safe
Phone: 1800 650 890 (or live chat)
Available: 24 hours, 7 days a week
When we’ve got a lot going on we can feel sad, tired, stressed and angry. Everybody has these feelings when life is tough, but when these feelings go on for a long time it can weaken our body, mind and spirit. If you feel like there is too much happening, clearing your head can help. There’s no shame in talking it out.
YarnSafe is part of the Headspace, Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. Headspace has centers around metropolitan and rural NSW.
Lifeline
Phone: 13 11 14
Available: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Lifeline provides crisis support and suicide prevention services. You can talk to someone anytime if you are feeling overwhelmed, distressed or unsafe.
1800RESPECT – Family and domestic violence support
Phone: 1800 737 732
Available: 24 hours, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, this service can help.
Other resources
Know Your Rights
The Know Your Rights website is a place where Aboriginal young people can learn about their rights and get clear information about the child protection system in NSW.
You’ll find simple guides, short animations and practical tools that explain things in plain language. The information is based on the real experiences of Aboriginal families and young people. It’s there to help you understand the system, speak up for yourself and find support if you need it.
If you’re feeling unsure about what’s happening, or you just want to understand your rights better, this site can help.
Aboriginal support services in NSW
There are Aboriginal organisations across NSW that support young people and families. These organisations understand community, culture and the challenges many young people face. You may be able to get help with:
- counselling and wellbeing support
- family support services
- help if you are in care or leaving care
- cultural connection programs
- housing and life support.
If you are unsure where to start, you can contact AbSec and we can help connect you with the right organisation in your region.
