Counselling and Personal Support for Victoria's Drought Affected Farmers

There is a range of counselling and personal support services available for people experiencing personal or family pressures as a result of drought or other issues. Dealing with stressful events is often helped by talking it over whether with a local GP, clergy, telephone help lines or local counselling and support services.

New Announcements - October 2008

• Case Management Approach (PDF 40KB)
  Extending the case management approach to supporting farmers through drought and adjustment (including those culturally and linguistically diverse clients).
  
  
• Drought Health and Community Support (PDF 49KB)
  To protect and promote the mental health and wellbeing of rural communities experiencing drought and rural change.
  

• Free personal counselling is available in drought affected areas through the Centrelink Drought Assistance Line on 132 316. The Centrelink website (external link) has a range of information to assist farmers dealing with drought.
  
  
• The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (external link) provides support for farmers considering future alternatives to farming as part of the Farm Help Program.
  
  
• The Department of Human Services has a Drought page (external link) which provides links to counselling services and also to a range of useful publications including "Losing the Farm" and "Suggestions for Farm Families in Crisis".
  
  
• Personal, family and financial counselling hotlines:
  • Lifeline on 131 114
  • Mensline on 1300 78 99 78
  • Parentline on 132 289
  • Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

• beyondblue (external link) provide information about depression, anxiety and substance-use related disorders in the Australian community on 1300 224 636.

• The Victorian Government has funded (Future Farming Statement) three additional financial counsellors in northern Victoria.
  
  
• For information on Rural Financial Counselling in your area contact DPI on 136 186 or visit the Rural Financial Counselling Service Programme (external link).