Coping with a Crisis
The Counselling Service is open during office hours on normal University working days. If you or someone you know is having a crisis or you feel that you need to talk to someone during a time when the Counselling Service is closed, here are a list of emergency contact numbers. Some of these are 24 hour services.
Please be patient when calling these numbers as they are in demand and you may experience delays.
To access our 'When a crisis Happens' Tip Sheet click here.
Crisis Services
Life Threatening Emergencies
Dial 000 - For emergency only (Police, Ambulance or Fire Brigade).
Make sure you have information about your address and the closest road intersection, because this information will help the Service to find your address as quickly as possible.
If you have a GSM digital mobile phone you can be connected to the emergency call service by dialling 000 as with other phones. But, because GSM is an international standard you can also be connected to the same emergency call service by dialling 112.
If you are in immediate danger call the police on 000
| After Hours Psychiatric Emergencies | ||
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle | 1800 011 511 | Psychiatric Emergency Centre |
| Central Coast | (02) 43 203500 | Mental Health Central Intake |
| Lifeline | ||
|---|---|---|
| 131 114 | Telephone Counselling and Support | |
| Newcastle Community Health Centre | 49257990 | Counselling and support |
| Domestic Violence | ||
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence line | 1800 656 463 | Domestic violence counselling, advice and accommodation referral |
| TTY 1800671 442 |
| Child Abuse | ||
|---|---|---|
| DoCS Helpline | 13 21 11 |
| Family Relationship Advice Line | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1800 050 321 (8am - 8pm) (not available on public holidays) |
National telephone service to assist families who are affected by relationship or separation issues |
| Mensline Australia | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1300 789 978 (24/7) | For men with relationship and family concerns |
| Drug and Alcohol Counselling | ||
|---|---|---|
| The Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) | 1800 422 599 | 24/7 confidential telephone counselling service for advice, information and referral. |
| Directline | 1800 888 236 | This service is for anyone seeking help about their own drug use or the drug use of a family member, relative or friend. The service is free and available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, across Australia. They also provide online counselling. |
| Department of Housing | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1800 152 152 Weekdays 4.30pm to 10pm Weekends and public holidays 10am to 10pm |
| Victims of Crime | ||
|---|---|---|
| Department of Housing | 1800 633 063 TTY 029374 3175 |
24 hour support referral and information for victims of crime |
| Kid's Helpline | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1800 551 800 | 24 hour telephone and online counselling specifically for young people aged between 5 and 18 |
Australian Students Overseas
Emergency counselling for Australian students overseas is provided by DFAT. The Department of Foreign Affairs provides emergency services for Australians who are experiencing a crisis whilst overseas. These services include access to Lifeline telephone counselling options - 24 hour service, 7 days per week.
Ring the consulate emergency number +61 1300 555 135 (press 6 for emergency) and they will connect you to Lifeline who will assist with managing the crisis.
Or ring the local high commission/embassy/consulate and ask to be put through to Lifeline in Australia.
Emergency Situations
| Police Helpline | ||
|---|---|---|
| 131 444 | This assistance is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. |
| On Campus Security | ||
|---|---|---|
| Callaghan | (02) 4921 5888 | |
| Central Coast | (02) 4348 4222 |
Hospitals
| Newcastle | ||
|---|---|---|
| John Hunter Hospital | (02) 4921 3000 | |
| Belmont Hospital | (02) 4923 2000 | |
| Newcastle Mater Misericordiae Hospital | (02) 4923 2000 | |
| Maitland Hospital | (02) 4939 2000 |
| Central Coast | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gosford Hospital | (02) 4320 2111 | |
| Wyong Hospital | (02) 4394 8174 |
| Poisons Information Centre | ||
|---|---|---|
| 131 126 |
Note: 1800 and 1300 numbers are toll free
Other 24 hour counselling numbers are listed on the inside cover of the White Pages Telephone Directory.