Support services in the community
If you or your children are having difficulties, it’s worth talking to someone who
can guide you through it. A range of government, community and private organisations
provide support services to separated families— mums, dads, non–parent carers
and children.
Click on one of these topics for more information:
Family Relationship Advice Line
The Family Relationship Advice Line is a national telephone service established
to help families affected by relationship or separation issues. The Line can also
refer you to your nearest Family Relationship Centre.
For help and information, call 1800 050 321 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday
to Friday, and 10.00am to 4.00pm Saturday (local time), except national public holidays.
Family Relationship Centres
Centres are located around Australia and can provide families with information and
support for relationship and separation issues. Centres are run by professionally
qualified staff who deliver confidential and impartial services such as mediation,
and are able to link you up with other services if necessary.
To find a Centre near you, call 1800 050 321 or go to
Family Relationships Online.
Family Relationships Online
Family Relationships Online
provides all families, whether together or separated, with information about family
relationship issues ranging from building better relationships to dispute resolution.
It also allows families to find out about a range of services that can help them
manage after separation, including agreeing on appropriate arrangements for children.
Counselling and support services
Separation is a time of many changes and it’s important that you seek help if you
need it, to help you cope and be there for your children. Counselling can be as simple
as having a chat and getting some practical ideas to help you move forward. Counselling
can also help you to deal with the emotional impacts of separation.
There are many organisations out there to help you, and many of these are listed on our
Community Services Directory. Government–funded
services are also listed on Family
Relationships Online.
Some services available are:
Lifeline – trained volunteers
provide free telephone counselling 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call
131 114
Australian Parenting and Relationships Helpline – professional
counsellors provide free telephone counselling, and information about parenting,
separation and other relationship issues. Call 1300 365 859
Mensline Australia provides a free, 24–hour telephone support service for men with
relationship and family concerns. Call 1300 365 859.
beyondblue – the national depression
initiative has some practical information and self–help tools
on their website.
One of the effects of separation is the money that supported one household now has
to support two. Money can be tight and there are many financial counselling services
out there that can help you manage your changed financial circumstances.
To find a service near you visit The Australian Financial
Counselling and Credit Reform Association or contact
Centrelink.
The Australian Financial Literacy
Foundation has practical, interactive budget planners and calculators
on their website.
My family is separating – what now?
My family is separating what now? provides families with helpful information about separation. The website helps families understand their rights and responsibilities and offers information about emotional, financial and legal advice and support services.