What you need to survive in prison is different to what you need on the outside. Many people have said that the first few weeks out were harder than their time inside. Coping with money problems, dealing with other people and feeling like you don’t belong in society can take a toll. You may feel lonely, depressed or anxious. If you are feeling like this, it’s time to seek support. Support can range from someone just listening to formal counselling. It also includes practical assistance to get what you need or help you with planning and budgeting.

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Who Can Help

Family and friends can be a great form of support. But they may be part of the problem or unable to help. There are many services that you can go to for professional assistance.

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Types of support that may be offered include:

• Social workers or support workers
• Counsellors, psychologists and relationship therapists
• Support groups
• Telephone/chat helplines

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Sometimes just having someone to listen can make you feel better. It can help you feel less stressed and you will be able to make better decisions. Finding the right person to talk to is important. You may need to try a few services before you find what’s right for you.

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How can I find support?

To find a support service, ask your doctor, your community health service or other local services. Telephone Helplines provide counselling and advice. They are a good way to get information about services in your area. You can also look up services in AskIzzy app or on the internet. If have a support worker, you could as them. Otherwise, you can call support services. If people can’t help you, they will usually be able to put you in touch with someone who can.

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TYPES OF SUPPORT

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Social workers and support workers

Some services will allocate a social worker ora support worker to assist you with practical, social or emotional needs. They will be abl eto help you to access the services you need. Some government agencies, such as Centrelink, have social workers that you can ask to speak to.

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Counselling

Counselling is a chance for you to talk to someone in a safe space. It helps you identify your problems and find solutions. Counsellors are non-judgemental and keep the information you give them confidential. They will have experience talking to people with similar issues.

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Support Groups

Support groups are for people who face the same issues to meet and help each other. There are support groups for many different issues, such as alcohol or drug use, depression and bereavement.

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Mentoring

There are some mentoring programs for people leaving prison – where people meet one-on-one to support re-entry. These programs often pair soon to be released or recently released folk with volunteers, peer mentors with lived experience of prison, or professional case managers to provide practical, emotional, and social support. Some examples include Women and Mentoring, Prison Fellowship, The Power in You project and programs at the Community Restorative Centre (NSW). Ask a case worker to look into available programs for you.

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Helplines

Helplines can provide counselling, advice or information over the phone or via chats. Some will also be able to refer you to local services. They can support you through a crisis or give advice about ongoing issues. They are usually free or cheap to call and don’t charge for their services. You don’t have to give your name or address.

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Key Crisis & Counselling Helplines

DirectLine – 1800 888 236

24 hour alcohol and drug counselling, information and referrals

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Family Relationships Advice Line – 1800 050 321

Information and advice to anyone affected by family relationship difficulties or separation.

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Gamblers’ Helpline – 1800 858 858

Help for people with gambling problems

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Lifeline – 13 11 14

24-hour general counselling service. Anyone can call, it doesn’t matter how big or small the problem might seem

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Medicines Line – 1300 633 424

Information about prescribed, over-the-counter and alternative medicines

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Men’s Line – 1300 78 99 78

Information for men who are thinking about their anger, behaviour, relationships issues or parenting and need help or support.

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Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491

Support for men with anger issues. Also provides advice for families

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SANE Helpline – 1800 187 263

Information and advice about mental illness.

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Suicideline – 1300 651 251

24-hour support to people who are thinking about suicide, or people who have been affected by suicide. Can refer to other services.

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WIRE – 1300 134 130

Support, advocacy and information for women.

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Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service – (03) 9322 3555 or 1800 015 188

24-hour crisis support and safe accommodation (refuges) for women and their children.