Mental health resources
You are not alone – there are a range of free and confidential mental health services available to help rural and regional Queenslanders experiencing tough times.
Mental health services for rural and regional Queenslanders
Owning a primary production operation or small business can come with a range of distinct challenges including financial pressures, disasters and droughts, which may be worsened by the social isolation some people can experience living in a rural or regional community. It’s normal to experience mental health challenges during difficult periods, but please remember, you are not alone. There are a range of mental health support services available to help Queensland primary producers and small business owners prioritise their mental wellbeing and get through tough times.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, please call triple zero (000). For other mental health support for people who are not in immediate danger, please see a list of mental health support services listed below. Please note, this directory is a guide only and not an exhaustive list of mental health support services available for Queensland primary producers and small business owners.
General mental health services
A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
One of Australia’s most well-known, trusted, and visited mental health organisations providing mental health support services and resources.
A free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.
1300 MH Call: Mental health access line
A confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the first point of contact to public mental health services to Queenslanders.
An independent organisation funded by the Australian Government to coordinate primary health care in their region.
Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)
A service that provides access to primary health care and aeromedical services across Queensland 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to aeromedical retrievals, the RFDS also delivers a broad range of essential primary and preventative healthcare services, including telehealth, mental health, oral health and health promotion.
Australian Government funded health centres providing access to free mental health information, services and supports.
Mental health support services for primary producers
Free, confidential counselling to farmers and their family.
Rural Financial Counselling Service – Southern Queensland and North Queensland
Free and confidential emotional coaching and wellbeing support for Queensland primary producers.
A professional, free text and call counselling service offering mental health support to Australia’s blue collar community.
National Centre for Farmer Health
A partnership between Western District Health Service and Deakin University that is dedicated to improving the health, wellbeing, and safety of farmers, farm workers, farming families and agriculture-dependent communities across Australia through health services, education and training, translational research and stakeholder engagement.
A website designed by Australian farmers to help other Australian farmers cope effectively with life’s challenges and get the most out of every day and provides free wellbeing resources that have been designed based on what Australian farmers have said they want and what research shows will help.
Mental health support services for commercial fishers
The national mental health program for the Australian seafood industry, run by Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) and supported with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health’s Mental Health Emergency Response.
Mental health support services for small businesses and non-profit organisations
Business wellness coaching – Southern Queensland and Northern Queensland
Free and confidential emotional coaching and wellbeing support for Queensland small businesses.
NewAccess Mental Health Coaching
A free, confidential mental health coaching program, designed to help small business owners and sole traders manage stress, worry and overwhelm.
An organisation that helps small business owners take action on their mental health and wellbeing through personalised resources and tools tailored to their specific needs.
Mental health support services for First Nations Peoples
The first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
Brother to Brother 24 Hour Crisis Line
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.
Mental health support services for young people up to 25
Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds.
A safe place where young people can openly express themselves, get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgement-free support, and build resilience.
Mental health support service for Australian men
A free telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men.
Mental health support services directory for Australian women
Free telephone and online support to Queensland women and girls, providing access to information and services across the state.
Provides free phone counselling for women in Queensland.
Mental health support service for the LGBTIQ+ community
A phone and webchat service for members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
Mental health support services directory for people with disabilities
An Australian Government service that helps people with disability, their families and carers find the information, services and support they need in Australia.
Please remember that if the above support services don’t seem right for you, you can also:
- talk to someone you trust
- contact your GP, or a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
