Telephone Support for Parents
A number of telephone counselling, information and referral services are available across the State that provide an immediate and confidential opportunity to discuss a problem or emergency. Anyone can use these services. The cost is usually that of a local telephone call only.
What Support Services Are Available?
Council of Single Mothers and their Children Support Line
9654 0622 (Melbourne)
1800 077 374 (Toll Free)
TTY 9639 3980 (Melbourne)
TTY 1800 998 099 (Toll Free)
Administration
9654 0327 (phone)
9654 0328 (fax)
Maternal and Child Health Line: 13 22 29 (Melbourne)
The Maternal and Child Health Line is a 24 hour, 7 day a week statewide telephone service available to all families with children from birth to school age. Callers can access information, support and advice regarding child health, nutrition, breast feeding, maternal and family health and parenting. The service is staffed by qualified maternal and child health nurses.
Parentline: 13 2289
Parentline is available 7 days a week providing a telephone counselling, information and referral service to parents and carers with children from birth to 18 years. The service is confidential and anonymous and available to all families in Victoria.
Professional telephone counsellors from a wide range of backgrounds ie nursing, psychology, teaching are available to discuss issues related to parenting such as sleeping, managing tantrums, teenage conflict and family relationships.
Interpreting assistance is accessible if required.
Lifeline: 13 1114
Care Ring: 13 6169
Lifeline and Care Ring provide services staffed by trained volunteers who are supervised by qualified staff. Services operate 24 hours a day, every day. All calls are confidential.
Care Ring operates throughout Victoria and Lifeline operates in Melbourne and most country regions.
These services respond to callers of all ages with a wide range of concerns and emergencies, including matters relating to relationships, domestic violence, family matters, child abuse, depression/anxiety, loneliness, unemployment, grief, problems at work or school, homelessness, money worries, drug and alcohol problems, and suicide.
You may use these services to gain information about community services, including services available to parents.
Women's Information & Referral Exchange (WIRE)
(03) 9654 6844 or 1800 136 570 (toll free) (03) 9654 5124 (for hearing impaired)
The Women's Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) is a free confidential telephone information and support service provided for women by women. It operates from Monday to Friday, 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. and is staffed by trained volunteers. Information and referral is provided on all issues affecting women including violence, sexual assault, relationships, the law, finance, health, family matters, drugs and alcohol, sexual harassment, employment and sexuality. Interpreting assistance is available for women of non-English-speaking background.
Parents Without Partners: (03) 9836 3211