helplines & support organisations - qld
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The organisations on this page have been grouped roughly for ease and quick reference. Viewers are asked to note that some organisations may have services in more than one group but are only listed once, please look through the list carefully.
This list is not exhaustive and includes groups that service Brisbane only, if you know of or run a genuine support organisation which would be of help to Queensland parents, please contact us.
For additional sources of organisations and associations, click on the other sources of support organisations link below for further online directories.
Quick page links:
general women's health & women's issues
pregnancy & childbirth
premature babies
help for parents
feeding concerns
children with special needs
bereavement & grief
post-natal depression
young parents
other parent support groups
children's issues
government departments & agencies
family planning & un-wanted pregnancy
general helplines
accidents
other sources of support organisations
TTY = telephone typwriter service; telephone service for those with hearing or speech difficulties
general women's health & women's issues
Women's Health Queensland Wide
ph: (07) 3839 9988
ph: 1800 017 676 (outside Brisbane Metro area)
ph: (07) 3831 5508 (TTY)
Women's Health Queensland Wide is an information
and education service funded by Queensland Health and the Federal Government.
The service operates a telephone helpline, staffed by registered nurses and midwives.
The services also provides online fact sheets and offers recommendations for
local practitioners and health providers.
Women's Infolink
Level 2, 52 Queen St., Brisbane
State Government Building, cnr Stanley St & Walker St Townsville
91-95 Howard St, Nambour
ph: Freecall 1800 177 577
ph: 1800 677 577 (TTY)
Women's Infolink provides a free,
confidential information and referral service Queensland-wide about
community services and Government organisations that exist to support
women.
Aboriginal & Islander Community Health Services, Brisbane
ph: (07) 3240 8977 or (07) 3393 0055
Centre: 10 Hubert St, Woolloongabba
"Providing primary health care services that are both culturally appropriate and accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities"
Queensland Women's Health Network
"We aim to strengthen links between women,
women's services, the health sector and key decision makers in Queensland by
assisting with information, support and advocacy."
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pregnancy & childbirth
Pregnancy Counselling Link
ph: Tollfree 1800 777 690 (statewide)
face-to-face counsellor appointments available in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast
Free, professional, confidential counselling in relation to pregnancy testing, unplanned pregnancy,
post-abortion concerns, pregnancy support, pregnancy loss & adoption
Pregnancy Support
ph: Tollfree 1300 139 313 (national)
Free, professional, confidential counselling in relation to pregnancy testing, unplanned pregnancy,
post-abortion concerns, pregnancy support, pregnancy loss & adoption
Pregnancy Problem Centre
ph: (07) 3219 4288
Pregnancy & Family Support Gold Coast
ph: Gold Coast region (07) 5535 0444
Confidential counselling in relation to pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy & family concerns for Gold Coast Region
Medicines Line
ph: 1300 888 763
A national service offering telephone advice on prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Australian Multiple Birth Association (Qld)
ph: (07) 3204 4619
Voluntary organisation run by multiple birth parents for expectant or other multiple birth parents. Call for details of nearest group.
Pelvic Instability Association
ph: (VIC) (03) 9539 3217
Not-for-profit organisation providing support and information for women suffering from
Pelvic Instability / Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).
Australian Action on Pre-eclampsia
ph: (VIC) (03) 9330 0441
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association of Australia
Support and information for women suffering from PCOS. Local support groups also.
Hashimoto Hypothyroid Postpartum
Online info
Australian Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) Support Group
ph: (07) 3849 8198
Voluntary organisation - The Australian Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Support Group has been formed to help parents who are or have been diagnosed with Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome.
Continence Helpline
ph: 1800 330 066
Australian Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness
ph: (mobile) 0416 388 987
Australian & worldwide twin to twin transfusion support group providing
TTTS information, support, contacts, message board, yahoo group, parents stories, memorial section, parents
contacts, medical professionals & treatment centre contacts specialising in TTTS.
Childbirth Education Association (Brisbane)
ph: (07) 3285 8233
> Information and advice on doctors and maternity facilities in the region
> Caesarean & Vaginal Birth after Caesarean (VBAC) Support
> Multiple Birth Support
Home Midwifery Assocation (Qld) Inc
ph: (07) 3839 5883
"A consumer-based organisation which offers information, education and support to women and families considering maternity care options and,
in particular, to those who are considering or are planning a birth at home"
Birthtalk : Support, Education and Celebration of birth
ph: (07) 3878 7915
"Birthtalk presents two Groups for women - Birthtalk Forum & Healing From Birth Support Group, meeting at Toowong in Brisbane
on a monthly basis. We hope to empower women by providing access to current literature & information about birth, as well
as birthing options in the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast area."
Birthrites - Healing After Caesarean
ph: see website for local contact details
Support groups and information for families in regard to caesarean birth and vaginal birth after caesarean
AIMS Australia (Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services, Australia)
ph: (07) 3207 7444
"AIMS Australia is a consumer organisation and our members promote the rights of parents to
choose the place and manner of birth; the rights of parents to accurate information and parents' rights to be treated with respect
during pregnancy and childbirth."
The Maternity Coalition Inc
"Australia’s peak birth care consumer advocacy group. Are you having difficulties accessing the
care you want in birth? Has your local maternity unit closed? If you have concerns about birthing services in your area visit
Maternity Coalition’s website and find out how you can make a difference to your local community and to birthing services Australia-wide"
Caesarean Awareness Network Australia (CANA)
"Access up-to-date and evidence-based information and resources about caesareans and birth after caesareans, links to
support groups around the country, information on workshops and antenatal courses relevant to caesareans or vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC), and information
on issues related to maternity services for women who are planning a caesarean, or planning to VBAC."
Birth Trauma & Stress Support Group
ph: Ursula: (07) 3809 0196
email: birtrasup@yahoo.com.au
Voluntary support group for mothers who have had traumatic birth experiences.
Support offered through email and phone Australia-wide. Regular group meetings in Brisbane area.
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help for parents
13 HEALTH ph: 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) is a 24 /7 telephone service offering all Queenslanders health information and triage advice for the cost of a local call. It is staffed by Registered Nurses who will assess your symptoms and using evidence-based guidelines give advice on what to do and how quickly you should do it. 13 HEALTH provides qualified health advice; it is not a diagnostic service and should not replace medical consultation. In an emergency always phone 000.
Community Child Health Information & Advisory Service
ph: (07) 3862 2333 or Freecall 1800 177 279 (outside Brisbane Metro)
24 hour advisory line
Parentline
ph: 1300 301 300
"Parentline is a confidential telephone counselling
service for parents and/or primary care givers. Parentline is staffed by
paid counsellors who have been professionally trained to understand and
respond to the particular issues that concern parents."
Good Beginnings Australia
see website for local contact details
Volunteer Home Visiting and Parenting Program
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premature babies
Austprem
Internet based Australia-wide support group and information website
National Premmie Foundation
ph: 1300 PREM BABY (1300 773 622)
National support organisation for all families and carers involved with parenting premature or seriously ill babies and children.
L'il Aussie Prems
An Australian online support site for parents & families of premature babies. We welcome you to join our free community forum where you can talk to other parents. You will find useful links to all things premmie including clothing stores, support sites, journeys through the NICU & much more..
Preterm Infants Parents Association (PIPA)
ph: (07) 3216 5114
Queensland based support group
Victorian Infant Collaborative Study
Information website
also see contacts for Australian Multiple Birth Association in
pregnancy & childbirth section above.
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feeding concerns
Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) Qld Branch
Breastfeeding Helpline ph: (07) 3844 8166 or (07) 3844 8977 (Brisbane) or (07) 4723 5566 (Townsville)
Administrative HQ: ph: (07) 3844 6488
formerly Nursing Mothers' Association Australia (NMAA)
Australian Lactation Consultants Association (ACLA) Qld
ph: (07) 3396 9718
Bottle Bubs - Bottle Feeding Support Group
ph: (07) 3886 3961 or (07) 3205 2052 (Strathpine Group)
ph: (07) 3701 5253 (Toowong Group)
parent-run support group
La Leche League International (Australian branch)
"La Leche League is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed."
Reflux Infants Support Association
ph: (07) 3229 1090
The association is a non-profit organisation
who's aim is to support families and carers of children
with reflux. The Association hold regular meetings in the Brisbane region.
Dietitians Association of Australia
ph: (ACT) (02) 6282 9555
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children with special needs
Queensland Council of Carers
ph: Freecall 1800 242 636 (outside Brisbane Metro region)
ph: (07) 3843 1398 (Brisbane Metro region)
Information on carers' support groups and resources throughout QLD
Asthma Queensland
ph: Freecall 1800 645 130
Autism Association Queensland (AAQ)
ph: (07) 3273 0000 or click on web link for contact details for the 15 regions within Queensland
Australian Hearing
ph: 13 17 97
Deaf Children Australia
ph: 1800 645 916
Hear and Say Centre (Brisbane)
ph: (07) 3870 2221
Queensland Deaf Society
ph: (07) 3356 8255, Brisbane
ph: (07) 4638 0159, TTY (07) 4638 0156, Toowoomba
ph: (07) 5479 5733, TTY (07) 5479 5735, Sunshine Coast
ph: (07) 4922 5829, Rockhampton
ph: (07) 4773 1200, TTY (07) 4773 1230, Townsville
Royal Institute for Deaf & Blind Children
ph: (NSW) (02) 9871 1233
Blind & Vision Impaired Childrens' Family Support Group
ph: (07) 3800 2221
Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland
ph: (07) 3397 1234
Queensland Blind Association
ph: (07) 3848 8888
Blind Citizens Australia (Brisbane branch)
ph: (07) 3891 2522
ph: Freecall 1800 033 660 (National)
Children's Leukaemia & Cancer Society
ph: (07) 3252 4719, Brisbane or (07) 4936 2244, Rockhampton.
Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland
ph: (07) 3840 3844
ph: 1800 620 420
Children's Cancer Institute Australia
ph: Freecall 1800 685 686
Queensland Cancer Fund
ph: Cancer Helpline 13 11 20
Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland
ph: Brisbane North (07) 3205 9211
ph: Brisbane South (07) 3347 7200
ph: Gold Coast and Hinterland (07) 5532 2088
ph: South Queensland Country (07) 4632 7922
ph: Wide Bay Burnett (07) 4124 8000
ph: Central Queensland (07) 4927 5655
CP Australian (formerly Australian Cerebral Palsy Association
ph: 1300 30 29 20
Cleft Palate & Lip Society (Qld)
ph: (07) 3204 5412
Cystic Fibrosis Queensland
ph: (07) 3359 8000
Diabetes Australia - Queensland
ph: 1300 136 588 (for the cost of a local call anywhere in Queensland)
ph: (07) 3239 5666
Disability Information and Awareness Line (DIAL)
ph: (07) 3224 8444
ph: Freecall 1800 177 120 (outside Brisbane Metro area)
ph: (07) 3224 8021 (TTY)
Down Syndrome Association of Queensland
ph: (07) 3356 6655
Australian Dyspraxia Support Group & Resource Centre
ph: (02) 4577 6220
Eczema Association of Australia
ph: 1300 300 182
Endeavour Foundation
ph: (07) 3874 1000
Epilepsy Queensland
ph: (07) 3435 5000 and 1300 852 853
Epilepsy Action
ph: 1300 EPILEPSY (1300 37 45 37)
Friends of Brain Injured Children of Qld
ph: (07) 3870 5111
HeartKids Queensland Inc
ph: (07) 3350 8181
Network of the families of children diagnosed with heart problems.
MontroseAccess
ph: (07) 3379 9200
support services to children with physical disabilities and their families
Multiple Handicapped Association (Multicap)
ph: (07) 3341 6644
Queensland Muscular Dystrophy Association
ph: (07) 3016 1800
Muscular Dystrophy Australia
ph: (VIC) (03) 9370 0477
Noah's Ark Toy Library & Resource Centre
ph: (07) 3391 2166
Centre: 20 Norman St, East Brisbane
A support service for children with disabilities or additional needs. Noah's Ark provides specialist resources, learning and educational materials and therapy equipment
Pre-Term Infants Parents Association
ph: (07) 3216 5114
Ronald McDonald Houses
ph: Royal Women's Hospital, Brisbane (07) 3257 0328
ph: Mater Children's Hospital, Brisbane (07) 3840 8606
facility at Townsville General Hospital opening soon
Ronald McDonald Houses are accommodation for country
families whose babies are born prematurely or whose
children are undergoing treatment for serious illness
Speech Pathology Australia
ph: (07) 3870 8542 (Qld branch)
Southside Disability Support Group (Brisbane)
ph: (07) 3200 2155
Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Queensland
ph: (07) 3844 4600
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bereavement & grief
Bonnie Babes Foundation
ph: (03) 9758 2800
"The Bonnie Babes Foundation provides a 24 hour, national grief counselling
services to Australian families who have lost a baby. The Foundation's trained counsellors will provide grief
counselling for any member of the family or friends grieving after pregnancy loss including miscarriage, stillbirth,
premature-birth loss, genetic termination (forced abortion due to complications), and neonatal death
(death shortly after birth)."
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support Group (SANDS) (Qld) Inc
ph: (07) 3254 3422 or 1800 228 655 (outside Brisbane metro area)
Centre: SANDS House, 505 Bowen Terrace, New Farm
"Sands is the mutual support,
information, education and advocacy for parents and families who
experience the death of their baby through miscarriage, stillbirth,
neonatal death and other reproductive losses."
Compassionate Friends (Qld)
ph: (07) 3254 2657
Centre: 505 Bowen Terrace, New Farm
"The Compassionate Friends is a self-help support organization for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. We offer friendship and understanding to families who are grieving the death of a child of any age, from any cause. All bereaved family members are welcome"
SIDS and Kids Australia & SIDS & Kids Queensland
ph: (07) 3849 7122
ph: Freecall 1800 628 648 (outside Brisbane Metro region)
ph: 1300 308 307 (National number)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome resource and information organisation
Pen Parents of Australia
Support network for those who have experienced pregnancy loss or the death of a child
Teddy Love Club
ph: (mobile) 0416 388 987
Registered non profit organisation. The program is the donation of teddy
bears to bereaved parents whilst in hospital, in the aim of easing the pain of leaving the hospital with empty arms.
We provide support and understanding for bereaved parents by bereaved parents,a message board & a yahoo support group on the website.
OzMOST ~ Aussie Mums Of Surviving Twins
Online support group to offer friendship, understanding and mutual support to other parents when a twin or higher order of multiples dies during the pregnancy, at birth or in infancy.
Miss Group
Gold Coast: Ashmore ph: 0419 704 935
The MISS Group has been established to provide support and guidance for women of all
cultures who have experience the grief of miscarriage, infertility or the loss of a child. We aim to offer comfort and give
encouragement through monthly meetings, whereby attendees can draw inspiration from others who has experienced the
same emotions. A loving and safe environment is provided, allowing for free and open conversation.
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post-natal depression
Brisbane Centre for Post Natal Disorders
Belmont Private Hospital, 1220 Creek Rd, Carina ph: (07) 3398 0238
Birth Trauma & Stress Support Group
ph: Ursula: (07) 3809 0196
email: birtrasup@yahoo.com.au
Voluntary support group for mothers who have had traumatic birth experiences.
Support offered through email and phone Australia-wide. Regular group meetings in Brisbane area.
Federation of Psychotherapists and Counsellors of Qld
ph: (07) 3356 4937
Regular 'playgroup' where mums can bring their babies to talk with experienced counsellors and
volunteers about their struggles as well as obtain information and support during their time of need. Regular group meetings in
Grange (Brisbane) area.
Postnatal and Antenatal Depression Support & Information (PaNDSI)
ph: (ACT) (02) 6232 6664
PaNDSI provides support and information to mums with
Post or Ante Natal Depression and their families.
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young parents
Young Parents Program
Kedron ph: (07) 3357 9944
Young Women's Place
10 Anthony St, Toowoomba ph: (07) 4639 4380
YWP is a not for profit organisation working with young women aged
10-30 years. We have a midwife who facilitates a 'Getting Ready Group' around antenatal information, and
a 'Young Mum's Group', which allows young mums to socialise with others, learn new information, and have
fun. Our midwife is also available for individual appointments. We also have counsellors who provide
information, counselling and referral services. All our services are free.
Caloundra Young Mums Group
Caloundra Community Centre, 78 Buderim St, Currimundi (sunshine coast) ph: (07) 5491 4511
A supported young mothers group, specifically for Young mothers between the ages of 15-25 years.
The group's role is to offer a friendly non-threatening environment for mums to meet socialise, have information sessions, educative
programs and a paid facilitator to assist the group with future direction and structure as well as support
ppossiblee and Munchkins playgroup programs
Townsville ph: (07) 4771 3648
Playgroup and support and mentoring program for young parents and their children.
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other parent support groups
National Council of Single Mothers & Their Children
ph: (08) 8226 2505
Parent Support
online support community and information
Parents without Partners
ph: (07) 3275 3290
groups throughout the region, call for location details
Mums in Business
ph: (07) 5502 7756
Natural Parenting Brisbane
/ Attachment Parenting Brisbane
Natural / Attachment Parenting is concerned with responding to and meeting your child's needs in order to provide them with a secure base with which to explore the world.
Natural / Attachment parenting 'ideals' include: emotional responsiveness; informed childbirth;
breastfeeding; babywearing (i.e. slings); shared sleep; avoiding frequent and
prolonged separations from your baby; positive discipline and maintaining a balance in family life.
Natural Parenting Brisbane - click here for contact details
Attachment Parenting Brisbane - meetings in New Farm ph: (07) 3892 3238 or email
Hubba Cuppa Friendship Groups - Redlands - ph (07) 3824 0900
Organised by the Oaklands Street Hub - Redland Shire these groups are for parents to meet with other parents and children
from their own suburb, in their own suburb. These groups were established to foster new
friendships for both adults and children - local support for each other. All of these groups are free. Many meet regularly in local
parks, coffee shops or in each other’s homes. Check the website for local group
locations.
Childbirth and Parenting Education Association (Toowoomba)
ph (07) 4632 2609
The Association holds Mums, Bubs and Toddler Coffee Mornings twice a month and are an informal, social gathering of Mums with
babies and toddlers from birth to 5 years. Each morning features a guest speaker with a topic of interest to help improve your
parenting knowledge. Following each speaker, we enjoy morning tea and the opportunity to meet and chat with other parents in a
friendly, relaxed environment. All newcomers are made very welcome. The Association also offers a Parent Support Group program. Parents who register are placed in small groups of other parents with similar aged children. Parents are able to grow, learn and receive support and understanding from mums or dads who are all experiencing similar joys and challenges.
Logan City Families Club
We are a free internet club for parents, parents-to-be and TTC in the Logan City area. The aim of the club is to make new friends and give
support to first time parents in the Logan City area. We have regular chats and meet ups in the area
and we share news and problems with each other.
Mums in Touch Forest Lake - ph: (07) 3879 6934
In this ever growing suburb, Newcomers to Forest Lake area welcome group ?Mums with 0-5 year olds, Meet with
other new Mums to the suburb ?chat at morning teas Wednesdays and Fridays.
Single Parents n' Kids Adventureland
Outings and social support for single parents
SPACE4
Single Parent Accommodation & Childcare Exchange
Attachment Parenting Group Toowoomba
ph (07) 4638 3718
If you practice or are interested in some or all of these - breastfeeding, babywearing, cosleeping, birth bonding, or gentle discipline - please feel free to join us. We hold regular get togethers around Toowoomba.
Mothers Helping Others
ph (mobile) 0405 353 176
Non profit group, that helps families with young children in practical and tangible ways - join and enjoy the
rewards of helping others.
Business Mums Network - ph: (VIC) (03) 9720 2581
Online support network for mums starting & running a business.
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children's issues
Child Abuse Prevention Service
ph: Freecall 1800 688 009
24 hour helpline
Napcan Queensland
ph: (07) 3211 7377
"NAPCAN is the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect. Established in 1987, we are a non government, not for profit, volunteer based organisation"
Abused Child Trust
ph: (07) 3857 8866
The Trust is an independent body
providing specialised services for abused children and their families
Kids Help Line
ph: Freecall 1800 551 800
"A National 24 Hour Telephone Counselling Service for Children and Young People in Australia"
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government departments & agencies
Family Assistance Office
ph: 13 61 50
ph: 13 12 02 (for multilingual enquiries)
ph: 1800 810 587 (TTY)
Centrelink
locations: customer service centres
ph: 1800 050 004
ph: 13 12 02 (for multilingual enquiries)
ph: 1800 810 586 (TTY)
Medicare
locations: Medicare offices
ph: 13 20 11
ph: 13 14 50 (multilingual enquiries)
Queensland Government Department of Families, Youth & Community Care
ph: Brisbane (07) 3224 8045 or 1800 811 810 (outside Brisbane metro area).
Federal Department of Families and Community Service
National Child Care Access Hotline 1800 670 305
Child Care Information Service
ph: (07) 3224 4225
ph: Freecall 1800 637 711 (outside Brisbane Metro area)
contact details for child care and family support hubs throughout Queensland
Child Support Agency
ph: 13 12 72
ph: 13 14 50 (multilingual enquiries)
ph: 1800 631 187 (TTY)
Assisting separated parents to take responsibility for the financial support of their children
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family planning & un-wanted pregnancy
Pregnancy Counselling Link
ph: Freecall 1800 777 690
Free, professional, confidential counselling in relation to pregnancy testing, unplanned pregnancy,
post-abortion concerns, pregnancy support, pregnancy loss & adoption
Pregnancy Helpline
ph: Tollfree 1300 139 313 (national)
Free, professional, confidential counselling in relation to pregnancy testing, unplanned pregnancy,
post-abortion concerns, pregnancy support, pregnancy loss & adoption
Children by Choice
ph: (07) 3357 5377 or Freecall: 1800 177 725
"Children by Choice provide counselling, information and referral services for women, and their partners, who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Our services are at no-cost, confidential, and non-judgmental. Children by Choice offer referrals for all options - abortion, adoption and parenting support."
Family Planning Queensland
ph: (07) 3250 0240 or click on the web link for regional office contact details
"FPQ now offers clinic, counselling, education, information and training services at nine centres throughout Queensland."
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general helplines
Lifeline
ph: 13 11 14
24 hour crisis counselling line
Domestic Violence Telephone Service
ph: Freecall 1800 811 811
ph: Freecall 1800 812 225 (TTY)
free confidential referral and information
service to people affected by domestic violence
Quitline
ph: 13 18 48
24 hr quit-smoking counselling and information service
Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS)
ph: (07) 3236 2414
ph: Freecall 1800 177 833 (outside Brisbane Metro area)
Queensland Health 24 hr information service for help with questions about alcohol,
tobacco or other drugs.
Medicines Line
ph: 1300 888 763
A national service offering telephone advice on prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Men's Info Line
ph: Freecall 1800 600 636
Advice to men on relationships, health, family
issues and domestic violence
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accidents
Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia (Kidsafe) Qld
Centre: 50 Bramston Terrace, Herston (next to the Royal Children's Hospital)
ph: (07) 3854 1829
Poisons Information Centre
ph: 13 11 26
Adverse Medicine Events Line
ph: 1300 134 237
Help with adverse or strange reactions to medicines.
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other sources of support organisations
State Library of Queensland - QueenslandWeb
ourcommunity.com.au
online directory of community organisations, go to the 'Directory of Organisations' or use the 'keyword search'
The Australian Government Directory
search through this online list of organisations throughout Australia
Early Childhood Connections
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