Student help directory

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it can also be challenging at times. It is normal to need help while adjusting to life in Australia.

There are organisations across Australia that offer free and confidential support.

These services can help with things like:

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Financial or housing support
• Food assistance
• Safety and general support

Asking for help is normal, especially when living in a new country. If you are not sure where to start, the services below can help you find the right support.

If you’re struggling with cost of groceries and find yourself without food, our national impact partner Foodbank Australia can help you find local organisations that provide free or low-cost food support. 

Visit Find food and enter your postcode to see what’s available near you.

Ask Izzy is a free online tool that helps people quickly find local support services across Australia.

You can search for services near you, including:

• Food and meal services
• Housing and homelessness support
• Mental health support
• Family and domestic violence support
• Financial assistance
• Health and wellbeing services

Simply enter your location and the type of help you need to find services nearby.

If you are not sure which service you need, Ask Izzy is a good place to start.

Primary OSHC policyholders have access to 24/7 medical, safety and mental health support through the Sonder App at no extra cost.

Register for the Sonder app using the email address you used to purchase your OSHC policy. Once registered, you can access support from trained professionals directly through the app whenever you need assistance.

Visit sonder.com/allianzcare for eligibility and T&Cs.

Lifeline is a free service where you can talk to a trained counsellor at any time of day or night.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or need someone to talk to, counsellors are available to listen and provide support.

You can contact Lifeline by:

• Calling  13 11 14
• Online chat via their website
• Text messaging support services

All services are confidential.

Beyond Blue provides support for people experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges.

Their trained counsellors offer free and confidential support, and they also provide helpful information and resources to support your mental wellbeing.

You can contact Beyond Blue by:

• Calling  1300 22 4636
• Online chat through their website
• Online forums where you can connect with others

If English is not your first language, TIS National can provide an interpreter to help you communicate with doctors, government services or other organisations.

An interpreter can assist during phone calls or conversations so you can understand important information and explain your needs clearly.

Interpreters are available in many languages.