Resources

Support. Information. Practical help.

If you have been impacted by the suicide of a veteran, you are not expected to navigate this alone.
Below you will find trusted services, practical supports, and educational resources to help you stabilise, grieve, and grow at your own pace.

Immediate Support (24/7)

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

Lifeline – 13 11 14
Provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services via phone, text, and online chat. Lifeline offers confidential support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or supporting someone in crisis.
🌐 lifeline.org.au

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling – 1800 011 046
Free and confidential counselling and mental health support for current and ex-serving ADF members and their families. Open Arms provides individual and group counselling, as well as community-based programs designed specifically for the veteran community.
🌐 openarms.gov.au

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
A free, 24/7 nationwide service providing professional telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide. This includes:

  • Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts

  • People supporting someone who is suicidal

  • Those bereaved by suicide

  • Health professionals seeking advice

The service also offers short-term follow-up support with the same counsellor, providing continuity during particularly vulnerable periods.
🌐 suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Veteran & Family Support Services

Open Arms
Free and confidential counselling and mental health support for current and ex-serving ADF members and their families. Services include individual counselling, group programs, and community outreach support.
📞 1800 011 046 | openarms.gov.au

Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
Provides information on entitlements, compensation, bereavement payments, funeral assistance, and ongoing support for eligible veterans and their families. If you are unsure about eligibility, DVA can guide you through next steps.
📞 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) | dva.gov.au

RSL Queensland
Provides advocacy and welfare support for veterans and their families, including assistance with DVA claims, financial hardship, housing support, wellbeing programs, and community connection. Local Sub-Branches often offer practical help and peer-based support in your area.
📞 07 3634 9400 | rslaqld.org

Soldier On
Delivers mental health services, employment and education pathways, and social connection programs for veterans and families. Soldier On also runs family-focused programs designed to strengthen resilience and rebuild community after service.
📞 1300 620 380 | soldieron.org

StandBy – Support After Suicide
A national postvention service offering free and confidential support for individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and communities impacted by suicide. StandBy can provide short-term emotional support and practical guidance following a loss.
📞 1300 727 247 | standby.org.au

Support for Children & Young People

Children and young people grieve differently to adults. They may struggle to find the words for what they are feeling, or their grief may show up as behaviour changes, withdrawal, anger, anxiety, or difficulty at school. Early support can make a meaningful difference.


Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
24/7 free and confidential counselling for young people aged 5–25. Support is available via phone, webchat, and email. Kids Helpline also provides helpful resources for parents supporting a grieving child.
🌐 kidshelpline.com.au

Headspace
Provides free or low-cost mental health services for young people aged 12–25. Headspace centres offer counselling, mental health assessments, physical health services, alcohol and drug support, and work/study assistance.
🌐 headspace.org.au

ReachOut
An online mental health service designed for young people and parents. ReachOut provides practical tools, articles, forums, and self-guided programs to help navigate grief, trauma, and emotional wellbeing. It also includes dedicated resources for parents supporting teens through loss.
🌐 reachout.com

Additional Support for Young People Impacted by Suicide

If a child or young person has been directly affected by suicide, you may also consider:

StandBy – Support After Suicide
Specialised postvention support for children, families, schools, and communities following a suicide.
📞 1300 727 247

Practical & Financial Support

Grief often brings more than emotional pain. There can be paperwork, financial strain, legal processes, and unexpected responsibilities that feel overwhelming. These services may help ease some of that burden:

Services Australia (Centrelink)
Provides information about bereavement payments, crisis payments, income support, and financial assistance. If you have lost a partner or family member, you may be eligible for short-term financial support.
📞 132 300 | servicesaustralia.gov.au

Victim Assist QLD
Offers financial assistance and counselling support for people affected by violent crime, including family members impacted by suicide. This may include help with funeral expenses, counselling costs, or related hardship.
📞 1300 546 587 | justice.qld.gov.au/victimassist

Legal Aid QLD
Provides free or low-cost legal advice for eligible individuals. This can include help with estates, guardianship, housing issues, financial disputes, or other legal matters that arise following a death.
📞 1300 651 188 | legalaid.qld.gov.au

Downloadable Guides

Community & Connection

Healing does not mean forgetting. It means learning to carry the loss differently.

You are welcome to participate when and if it feels right.

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If you would like support tailored to your situation, please complete our SOS Flannel Package form and a member of our team will be in touch.

You do not have to carry this alone.

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