The Mental Wellbeing Resources Guide comprises of services and supports that are available to people with vision loss. It provides a list of resources for both crisis and voluntary support.
The guide contains resources from organisations associated with eye care service delivery and low vision rehabilitation. Also included are supports and services from the mainstream mental health services. Although they are not specifically tailored for vision loss, it provides an alternative avenue for people.
This directory further supports the Adult Referral Pathway for Blindness and Low Vision Services developed by Vision 2020 Australia.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided within this directory is intended for information purposes only. The content of this directory is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The services and resources listed in this directory are not exhaustive and were available at time of compilation. This publication contains links to external websites that Vision 2020 Australia has no direct control over. It is the responsibility of users to make own decisions about information contained on linked websites.
HEAD TO HEALTH
- Communication materials – Download or request printed communication materials to promote mental health support via Head to Health.
- Mental health conditions and disorders – Information about anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma and stressor-related disorders.
BEYOND BLUE
- Anxiety facts
- Depression facts
- Wellbeing – Tips and strategies to maintain wellbeing.
- Supporting someone – Tips on how to support family or friend with depressive symptoms.
MACULAR DISEASE FOUNDATION
- Wellbeing – Webpage about mental health, including video with tips to manage wellbeing.
VISION AUSTRALIA
- Vision Australia Radio: Podcast Holding onto Hope – Partnership with Lifeline to raise mental health awareness.
MENTAL HEALTH ONLINE
- Depression – Free, 11-module, self-paced program. Based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Appropriate for anyone experiencing low mood, with strategies to improve mood.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder – Free, 12-module, self-paced program based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Appropriate for those experiencing anxiety and worry.
THIS WAY UP
- Digital mental health treatment – Range of self-paced online programs based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, that teach clinically-proven strategies to improve wellbeing. NFP joint initiative of St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney and University of NSW.
MIND SPOT
- Assessment – Free and confidential with immediate results to learn more about symptoms and access clinically-proven treatment options.
GUIDE DOGS
- Guide Dogs Victoria Catch Up Online Platform – Online social discussions, resources and news.
- Guide Dogs NSW Chatter Paws – Group chat of 6 people led by client volunteers.
Guide Dogs QLD Catch Up – Online platform to chat about experience, connect with friends, news. Account created.
HEADSPACE
- Community Group Chat sessions – One hour weekly online session led by mental health professional and member of the Youth National Reference Group.
SANE
- Community Discussion Forums – Available 24/7. Opportunity to connect with people to share experiences. Moderated by health professionals.
MACULAR DISEASE FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA
- Peer to Peer Program – Telephone support program with volunteer to share experiences.
Community Support Programs – Social outings and online meet-ups with community groups.
GLAUCOMA AUSTRALIA
- National Support Group – Facebook support group to connect with others who know and understand what you are going through. The group is moderated by Glaucoma Australia’s orthoptist educator who is available to answer your questions.
Congenital Support Group – Facebook support group for families with young children as well as adults who were born with congenital glaucoma. Whether your child has just been diagnosed or you have been living with congenital glaucoma all your life, this group is very supportive and here for you.
GUIDE DOGS
- Guide Dogs Victoria Young Adults Program – Designed for young adults aged 18-35 to enhance independent mobility.
- Guide Dogs Victoria Connection Service: Community and Peer Groups – Opportunities to meet other people with low vision and blindness since birth.
- Guide Dogs NSW Young Adults Program – Social group to connect to others and share experiences. Occur every 2 months, Sydney CBD location. For ages 18-30.
- Guide Dogs NSW Peer Support Program – Peer mentor with the aim to set a goal to discuss how to achieve. Delivered over 5 phone calls.
Guide Dogs Qld Support for Carers – Dedicated instructors to support carers.
KERATOCONUS AUSTRALIA
- Support Line – Provides information, support and advice for keratoconus sufferers and their families.
RETINA AUSTRALIA
- Peer Support Groups – Online and face-to-face support groups for people living with inherited retinal diseases.
VISION AUSTRALIA
- Community Groups – Social support and outings to share interest in each state.
- Peer Support Program – One on one support from trained volunteer who can relate to circumstances.
- Quality Living Program – Peer support either one on one or by joining a group. 8- week course, 2.5 hours per week. Includes group for young adults.
Telelink – Virtual social program to discuss different topics such as current affairs.
SEE DIFFERENTLY (Royal Society for the Blind)
- Counselling – Specially trained counsellors to provide awareness of functional and emotional impact of vision loss.
GUIDE DOGS QLD
- Counselling – One on one counselling sessions.
BEYOND BLUE
- Live Chat – Available 24/7 via online and telephone. Short-term counselling, information, referral for depression and anxiety.
HEADSPACE
- Live chat – Private chat with professional counsellor. Available 7 days a week, 9am-1am AEST.
SANE AUSTRALIA
- One-on-one counselling – Online and telephone support for people with complex mental health issues. Counsellors available 10am- 10pm AEST, Mon-Fri.
CANDO 4 KIDS
- Psychology service – Individual therapy, educational assessment, mental health assessment, acceptance and commitment therapy, solutions focused therapy.
KIDS HELPLINE
- Counselling – Counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. Available 24/7. 1800 55 1800
VICTORIAN ABORIGINAL HEALTH SERVICES (VAHS) 
- Family Counselling Service – Culturally safe emotional and mental wellbeing counselling. Four programs available: Adult social emotional wellbeing, Koori Kids, Financial Wellbeing, Ice Pilot Program.
LIFELINE
- Crisis Chat (13 11 14)– Available 24/7 online and telephone. Assistance during crisis when overwhelmed or have suicidal thoughts.
SUICIDE CALL BACK SERVICE
- Crisis counselling service (1300 659 467) – Free service for people having suicidal thoughts, family or friends affected by suicide. Australia wide.
SUICIDE LINE VICTORIA
- Crisis counselling service (1300 651 251) – Free professional telephone counselling support 24/7.
MENTAL HEALTH ONLINE
- Therapist Assisted Program – Free sessions with a therapist over 12-week support via weekly emails and up to 4 lives sessions via video to deliver a tailored program.
VISABILITY (WA)
- Psychology services – Psychologists who support emotional wellbeing and mental health of people with vision impairment. Registered with Psychology Board of Australia. GP referral required.
DAVINA LEFROY (WA)
- Psychology services – Davina is a clinical psychologist who is legally blind and has an interest in children to assist to manage disability and vision loss.
DR BONNIE STURROCK (VIC)
- Psychology services – Clinical psychologist with an interest in people with low vision. Member of Australian Psychological Society. GP referral required.
MINDSPOT
- Teletherapy – Up to 4 free sessions with a therapist either weekly or fortnightly.
MOOD ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA
- Mood Assessment Program – Computerised software program for clinical assessment of depression. Referral required from healthcare practitioner.
HEAD TO HEALTH
- Adult Mental Health Centres – Australian Government initiative to establish community mental health services network. Skilled mental health professional connects to best service based on needs. No GP referral or appointment required. Free. Telehealth available.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
- In the event of an emergency requiring urgent care, CALL 000.
ACUTE COMMUNITY INTERVENTION SERVICE (ACIS)
- Intervention service – Provides urgent advice, referral and treatment to people with mental illness who are acutely ill or in crisis. Available 24/7. Can be requested by police, ambulance or members of the public.