Mental health and wellbeing resources

A range of bushfire and other natural disaster resources can be found on our Disaster recovery page including wellbeing resources for:

• children
• educators
• families and the community

The department has also partnered with Mental Health and Wellbeing experts BeYou, Smiling Mind and Safer Communities to deliver a suite of resources for the education and care sector.

Counselling

If at any time you are worried about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

You can also contact:

• your doctor or local community health centre
• a counsellor or psychologist
• Parentline: 1300 30 1300
• Mensline: 1300 78 99 78
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Headspace: 1800 650 890

Damage assessments/disaster assistance

If your service was damaged as a result of bushfires, floods or other emergencies that have resulted in your service temporarily ceasing operations or operating at a reduced capacity, please contact us for individual advice and support by:

• calling 1800 619 113
  

• emailing ececd@det.nsw.edu.au.
  

Bushfire clean-up and assistance

• The NSW Government is delivering Bushfire Recovery Assistance to help people and businesses impacted by bushfires, including the clean-up of NSW residences and eligible businesses.

NSW Disaster Assistance

• Use the NSW Disaster Assistance Finder Tool to get a personalised list of available programs and services you can apply for
• Services can also speak to a Bushfire Customer Care Specialist 7 days a week between 7am-7pm by calling 13 77 88 or by visiting the Service NSW website. Support and services available include:
  • Clean up services
  • Mental health and wellbeing services
  • Accommodation
  • Support for businesses
  • Financial assistance
  • Replacing ID and other documents
  • Insurance and legal support
  • Applying for the Volunteer Firefighter Payment
  • Services provided by the Australian Government