Mind has made some changes within our services to ensure we protect our clients and their families, our staff, and the community from COVID-19, while continuing to provide mental health and wellbeing support. 

Our practices and business decisions are informed by guidance from the Australian Department of Health, our partners, NDIS and World Health Organisation (WHO). 

For general advice on COVID-19, please look at health.gov.au 

If you been in contact with a Mind staff member or client and are unwell or have been exposed to COVID-19 please advise us immediately by emailing [email protected] 

Please note that Mind does not have a 24-hour helpline. For 24-hour support please see 24/7 mental health helplines. 

Changes in our outreach services 

Mind is continuing to provide personalised support in our outreach programs. 

We have: 

  • worked with clients to ensure they have access to telephone and online technology to support virtual face-to-face engagement and telehealth interventions where appropriate 
  • maintained face-to-face contact for clients who need in-person support 
  • implemented physical distancing and safe universal infection and control practices. 

Changes in our residential services 

Mind-managed residential services are in full operation. 

Mind staff are maintaining our rigorous hygiene procedures and work closely with our partners to ensure we have a secure supply chain of protective and essential supplies.  

We have:  

  • introduced temporary physical distancing measures to keep everyone safe and well while maintaining social connection 
  • suspended formal group activities 
  • temporarily limited visitors to essential services only 
  • separated staff into teams to minimise staff-to-staff contact 
  • made preparations in the event we need to support a client through self-isolation  
  • put in place a system to check staff are well before they start work to reduce risk 
  • put in place standby teams to maintain continuity of support in the event of any staff members contracting COVID-19 
  • ensured clients are staying connected with friends and family, through phone calls and virtual catch-ups. 

Changes in our Mind centres 

Our NDIS services continue to be provided. 

Our Mind Centre day service has recommenced operations, including group activities adhering to physical distancing requirements. Mind Centres will suspend formal group activities and face-to-face meetings to adhere to infection control requirements if necessary. 

People receiving outreach support services can discuss the best way to maintain their support in person or phone, or video conferencing if available. 

24/7 mental health helplines 

Please note that Mind Australia does not have a 24-hour helpline. We are aware of a social media post about a 24/7 phone line doing the rounds that references Mind, but this is a UK number for Mind UK.

For phone support we recommend the services listed below.

Beyond Blue  
Anyone feeling anxious or depressed  
beyondblue.org.au  
1300 22 4636

Kids Helpline  
Counselling for young people aged 5 to 25  
Kidshelpline.com.au  
1800 55 1800

MensLine Australia  
Men with emotional or relationship concerns  
mensline.org.au  
1300 78 99 78

Open Arms  
Veterans and families counselling  
openarms.gov.au  
1800 011 046

Lifeline  
Anyone having a personal crisis  
lifeline.org.au  
13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service  
Anyone thinking about suicide  
suicidecallbackservice.org.au  
1300 659 467

Is it an emergency? If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero (000)