Mind is committed to safely supporting our clients and families through the COVID-19 outbreak. 

We have made some changes within our services to ensure we protect our clients and their families, our staff, and the community, while continuing to provide support to our clients and families throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

All of these practices and our 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

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

Changes in our residential services

Mind-managed residential services are in full operation.

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

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

Changes in our Mind centres

NDIS support services are continuing but we have temporarily closed our day service centres and suspended formal group activities in regions it is necessary to do so to adhere to public physical distancing regulations.

People receiving outreach support services have been contacted by their support worker so they can discuss the best way to maintain their support during this period, including phone, or video conferencing if available.

24/7 mental health helplines

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)