Resources
This information resource was produced by the Health and Wellbeing committee of the Irish Support Agency Inc. with the support of the Emigrant Support Programmme funding through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland.
This resource aims to provide useful contact details for a range of health and wellbeing services across NSW*. It can be used by an individual but there are also a range of services available to assist friends and family.
*If you cannot find the service you are looking for on this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the office on 02 9300 8019.
ABOUT US
Established in 1995, the Irish support Agency NSW inc. is a not for profit organisation based in Surry Hills, NSW.
We provide front-line support to anyone in the Irish-Australian community who find themselves in circumstances of vulnerability or distress. We endeavour to promote mental health & wellbeing and a sense of connection in our community.
reciprocal healthcare agreement
Australia and Ireland have a reciprocal healthcare agreement (RHCA) that enables visitors from Ireland to Australia to access medically necessary treatment as inpatients in public hospitals. Medically necessary means that treatment is required before a return to Ireland.
Cover for visitors from Ireland includes:
Free treatment in a public hospital.
Subsidised pharmaceuticals under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Some medically necessary maternity care - the cover depends on visa type.
Access to the RHCA requires the provision of a passport as proof that the person is ordinarily resident in Ireland. A valid visa is also required.
The RHCA does not cover those on student visas.
Mental health
MENTAL HEALTH LINE: Mental Health Line is NSW Health's 24/7 statewide phone service which links people with NSW Health mental health services. It is a free service.
It is staffed by trained mental health professionals who:
offer mental health advice
complete a brief assessment
make recommendations for appropriate care, including referral to NSW Health mental health services.
The mental health professional will ask questions to understand your needs and recommend appropriate services.
MENSLINE: provides support to men experiencing family and relationship problems. 24/7 phone counselling.
W: www.mensline.org.au P:1300 78 99 78
KIDS HELPLINE: 24/7 phone and online counselling for ages 5-25 years.
W: www.kidshelpline.com.au P:1800 551 800
HELPLINK: Provides emotional support for Irish diaspora.
BEYOND BLUE: Support service to assist anyone experiencing mental health issues.
W: www.beyondblue.org.au P: 1300 22 4636
SANE HELPLINE: Provides information, guidance, and referrals to manage mental health concerns.
W: www.sane.org P: 1800 187 263
HEALTH AND SEXUAL HEALTH
MEDICARE: Universal health scheme. Citizens and most permanent residents are eligible for this scheme.
W: www.humanservices.gov.au P: 132 011
HEALTHDIRECT: Provides non-emergency information and advice on health and wellbeing issues.
W: www.healthdirect.gov.au P: 1800 022 222
SEXUAL HEALTH HOTLINE: Phone and internet service staffed by specialist sexual health nurses.
W: www.shil.nsw.gov.au P: 1800 451 624
SYDNEY SEXUAL HEALTH CENTRE: Offers treatment and management of STIs and HIV.
W: www.sshc.org.au P: 02 9382 7440
HOMELESS HEALTH CLINIC, ST. VINCENT’S HOSPITAL: Provides health and support for people experiencing homelessness in inner city Sydney.
W: www.svhs.org.au P: 1800 602 417
DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE
1800RESPECT: Provides support for people experiencing, or at risk of sexual assault, domestic or family violence or their friends and family. Provides 24/7 support.
W: www.1800respect.org.au P: 1800 737 732
NSW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LINE: Provides support, information and referrals to those affected by domestic violence in NSW. Provides 24/7 support.
W: www.facs.nsw.gov.au/domestic-violence P: 1800 65 64 63
WOMEN’S LEGAL SERVICES NSW - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVOCACY SERVICE (DVAS): Provides information, assistance and court advocacy to those experiencing domestic violence.
HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING
LINK2HOME: Offers access to specialised support and accommodation services for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
W: www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing P: 1800 152 152
NEAMI WAY2HOME: Works with clients with complex needs who are sleeping rough.
W: www.neaminational.org.au P: 1800 505 501
WAYSIDE CHAPEL: Community service centre and homeless hub in Kings Cross and Bondi Beach.
W: www.waysidechapel.org.au P: 02 9581 9100 / 02 9581 9104
MISSIONBEAT: Missionbeat patrols inner Sydney streets and offers support to those in distress. They respond to calls from the public as well as from emergency and community services and government departments.
W: www.missionaustralia.com.au P: 1800 306 461
TENANTS’ UNION: Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services. Advice is available by phone which operates on Mondays 10am-1pm and Thursdays 2-5pm.
SENIOR AND AGED CARE SERVICES
MY AGED CARE: An Australian government phone line and website which can assist in accessing information about aged care services.
W: www.myagedcare.gov.au P: 1800 200 422
NSW MEALS ON WHEELS: A community service for older or frail people and younger adults with disabilities.
W: www.nswmealsonwheels.org.au P: 1300 679 669
NSW ELDER ABUSE HELPLINE AND RESOURCE UNIT: A free service that provides information, support and referrals relating to the abuse of older people living NSW.
W: www.ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au P: 1800 628 221
SENIORS RIGHTS SERVICE: A legal service providing free and confidential advice, information, referrals and other assistance to older people in NSW on their legal issues. A fully accredited community legal centre.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADDICTION
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: A mutual support service for those recovering from alcoholism.
W: www.aa.org.au P: 1800 200 422
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: A mutual support service for those recovering from narcotic dependency.
W: www.na.org.au P: 1800 200 422
ALCOHOL & DRUG INFORMATION SERVICES (ADIS): 24 hour service available to offer support and answer questions about alcohol and other drug use.
W: www.yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au P: 1800 200 422 Rural Freecall: 1800 250 015
QUITLINE: National Smoking Quitline.
W: www.quit.org.au P: 1800 200 422
Gambling ADDICTION
GAMBLING HELPLINE: A 24/7 confidential helpline offering support and information.
W: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au P: 1800 858 858
HOPE STREET GAMBLING HELP: offers free and confidential counselling services and supports.
W: baptistcare.org.au/hopestreet P: 1300 275 227
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Provides support through group meetings.
W: www.gaaustralia.org.au P: 02 9726 6625
ST. VINCENT’S GAMBLING TREATMENT SERVICE: Provides treatment for those concerned about or affected by problem gambling.
W: www.svhs.org.au P: 02 8382 9601
GAMBLING TREATMENT CLINIC: Provides counselling for individuals, couples and families experiencing gambling related difficulties.
LGBTQI
ACON: Health promotion organisation specialising in LGBTQI health.
W: www.acon.org.au P: 1800 063 060
QLIFE: National phone and web counselling service for LGBTQI people, friends and family.
W: www.qlife.org.au P: 1800 184 527
SQI: A service to support those who identify as LGBTQI within and connected to the Irish and Irish Australian community in Sydney.
Returning to Ireland
CITIZENS INFORMATION: www.citizensinformation.ie
DEPT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE: www.dfa.ie/global-irish
IRISH NATURALISATION AND IMMIGRATION SERVICE: www.inis.gov.ie
REVENUE (IRISH TAX AND CUSTOMS): www.revenue.ie
DEPT OF EMPLOYMENT AFFAIRS & SOCIAL PROTECTION: www.welfare.ie
IRISH DIASPORA SUPPORT PROJECT: W: www.diasporasupport.ie
SAFEHOME IRELAND: www.safehomeireland.com
IRISH COUNCIL FOR PRISONERS OVERSEAS: www.icpo.ie