Emergency Help and Support
Dealing with emergency support for veterans typically involves responding quickly, assessing immediate needs, and connecting the person with appropriate assistance. A practical approach includes:
- Assess the situation – Determine whether the emergency involves immediate safety, housing, food, finances, medical needs, or mental health.
- Address urgent risks – If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, contact emergency services without delay.
- Listen and gather information – Understand the veteran’s circumstances, available support network, and the urgency of their needs.
- Provide immediate assistance – This may include emergency financial aid, food vouchers, temporary accommodation, transport assistance, or essential household items, depending on available resources and eligibility.
- Refer to specialist services – Connect the veteran with relevant veteran support organisations, health providers, housing services, financial counsellors, or mental health services as appropriate.
- Document the assistance provided – Keep clear records of the assessment, support offered, referrals made, and any follow-up required.
- Follow up – Check on the veteran after the immediate crisis to ensure their needs are being met and to help them access longer-term support.
The aim of emergency support is not only to resolve the immediate crisis but also to help the veteran access ongoing services that promote long-term stability and wellbeing.
Emergency Situations
In order to ensure your safety and wellbeing in the event of an emergency, we recommend that you promptly contact the appropriate authorities at their designated phone number. For emergencies requiring immediate attention, we highly advise that you call 000 to immediately receive the appropriate level of assistance and support. By contacting this emergency hotline, you will be connected with an experienced professional who is trained to provide prompt and effective assistance in a time of crisis. We understand that emergencies can be stressful and overwhelming, but rest assured that we are here to help guide you through this difficult time. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance when you need it most – your wellbeing and safety is our top priority.
Mental Health Support
Please note that Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling is available to support members of the current and ex-service community and their families during those times of need.
To speak to Open Arms, please phone 1800 011 046 (toll-free from landlines and most mobiles), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Increasingly, our crisis support is taking place across a diverse array of platforms. The 13 11 14 phoneline remains a crucial way for help-seekers to contact us, but at Lifeline, we are passionate about giving everyone a chance to speak and be heard, in whatever form works best for them.
Our confidential crisis support is now available via phone, text, or online chat.
Anyone across Australia who is experiencing a personal crisis, contemplating suicide or caring for someone in crisis can contact Lifeline. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, our trained Crisis Supporters are ready to listen without passing judgement and to provide support and referrals.
Crisis Support Services
Phone 13 11 14 available 24 hours / 7 days – Australia’s largest crisis support line. Anyone in Australia can speak to a trained Crisis Supporter over the phone, any time of the day or night.
Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14 available 24 hours / 7 days – Australia’s first SMS-based Crisis Support service, any person in Australia can receive support from a Crisis Supporter by text message, any time of the day or night.
Online chat available 24 hours / 7 days – The online chat service is available for people who prefer to type than talk. Any person in Australia can chat with a Crisis Supporter through the Lifeline Australia website, any time of the day or night.
Homelessness Support Services
There is support available for you and your family if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
For assistance and to get the support you need, you can:
- contact us on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
Support when you cannot work:
We may pay you if a service-related injury or illness impacts your ability to work. You must supply a medical certificate, and we may ask about your income and assets. We can also help you rehabilitate to improve your health and wellbeing.
More information is available on the DVA website here: https://www.dva.gov.au/financial-support/income-support/support-when-you-cannot-work
Help to cover healthcare costs:
You may be able to ask us to give you back money after you pay healthcare bills. We can also help you cover energy costs if you need to run medical equipment at home. This includes home heaters or coolers that help you manage your medical condition.
More information is available on the DVA website here: https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-treatment/help-cover-healthcare-costs