Low Cost Supports
The cost of living doesn't seem to be getting any easier, so to do our very small part to support the community, we have collated a list of free and low cost supports available to support mental health and overall wellbeing. This is an evolving list and updated whenever we get a moment!
Please note that The Burrows has no control over the quality or output of any of the following services and tools, beyond those provided directly by us. Please use your discretion and critical thinking over which services might work best for your individual situation!
NOTE: This is a really text heavy page, so to quickly navigate to the section you're looking for, please use the following links:
At The Burrows
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Low cost fidgets and sensory tools available at The Burrows - speak to us in-person for the most up-to-date availability.
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Low cost telehealth Counselling with Carol: $30 for a 50-minute session starting in June 2026. Register your EOI here.
Free Helplines
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Friendline: 7 days a week, anytime you might need a friendly chat.
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MyCompass: A self-help resource from The Black Dog Institute
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Lifeline: 24/7 text, web and phone support for anyone experiencing crisis
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Beyond Blue: 24/7 support mental health support
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Mensline: Counselling and support for Australian Men
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13YARN: Yarning without judgement 24/7
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QLife: Anonymous peer support and referral for LGBTQIA+ folks
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Interlink: Confidential short-term counselling for intersex people, their families and carers
Free & Low Cost Therapy
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Medicare Mental Health Centres: Free Medicare Mental Health Support
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Swinburne Psychology Clinic: Low cost therapy and assessment provided by provisional psychologists
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Mental Health Online: Free online therapy program
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Cairnmillar Psychology Clinic: Free therapy provided by provisional psychologists
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The Krongold Clinic: Run by Monash University, affordable psychology services
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Mindspot: Operated by Macquarie University, providing online assessment and support
Low-Cost Psychological Assessment
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Swinburne Psychology Clinic: Low cost cognitive assessments provided by provisional psychologists
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Cairnmillar Psychology Clinic: Discounted psychological assessments
Health & Medical
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Bulk Billed GPs: Search via Hotdoc or Health Engine
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Free Nurse Service (Nationwide): 1800 022 222
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Nurse-on-Call (VIctoria): 1300 60 60 24 - 24/7 support
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Psychiatric Support: 24/7 Mental Health Triage, completely free:
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Victoria: Specific Region numbers at Department of Health, or call 1300 363 746
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NSW: 1300 642 255
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QLD: 1300 642 255 (1300 MH CALL)
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WA: 1300 555 788 (Metro), 1800 676 822 (Peel), 1800 552 002 (Rural)
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SA: 13 14 65
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TAS: 1800 332 388
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ACT: 1800 629 354
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NT: 1800 682 288
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- Free Menstruation Items: For folks who menstruate, check out bitsperiod for their free scheme
- Queerspace: Counselling, peer support and health/wellbeing services for LGBTQIA+ community members
Food
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Local Food Connect: Free Food pantry locator (NE Melbourne) , food justice, and gardening tips for growing food
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Foodbank Australia: Find sources of low-cost/free food Australia-wide
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Oz Harvest: Find food relief Australia-wide
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Sikh Volunteers Australia: Australian legends serving those in need throughout Australia by providing free food
Employment & Work
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Employment Assistance Fund: Via Job Access, support for anyone with disability to access funding to stay in the workforce
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Global Sisters: Free business training for women, to support financial resilience and become business founders.
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Project Placed: Free career coaching calls for folks needing support with planning career next steps, resume advice or job interview preparation
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Dress for Success: Support for all genders in need of clothing, coaching or connections to support job-readiness
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Fitted for Work: Supporting women and gender diverse folks with styling and dressing for work, including interview preparation
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Workforce Australia: Support for transition to work, self-employment assistance, plus other work related supports
Financial
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Victorian Savings Finder: Search tool to find discounts, rebates and other benefits. Takes 2-5 minutes to complete
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Victorian Utility Relief Grant Scheme: Up to $650 reduction on utility costs, based on application
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Money Smart by ASIC: Free tools and guides to support money management and financial literacy
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National Debt Helpline: Free advice on handling debt, prioritising payments and negotiating payment plans
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CentreLink Crisis Payment: Non-taxable, one-off payment for folks experiencing financial hardship
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Mob Strong Debt Help: First Nations financial counselling and legal advice. 9.30am - 4.30pm weekdays.
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Good Shepherd: No interest loans, financial counselling and other services for women, girls and families
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Energy Retail Harship Program: Contact your retailer - they have an obligation to provide a program that could potentially waive fees, pause disconnection, and offer payment plans.
Legal & Advocacy
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Legal Aid: Helplines to provide free legal advice, information and referrals in business hours (generally 9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri)
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Victoria: 1300 792 387
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NSW: 1800 888 529
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QLD: 1300 651 188
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WA: 1300 650 579
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SA: 1300 366 424
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TAS: 1300 366 611
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ACT: 1300 654 314
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NT: 1800 019 343
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Community Support
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Neighbourhood Houses Victoria: Connection with other folks in events, skill building, advocacy, free programs. Free wifi, coffee & tea
- Men's Shed: Community-based, non-profit organisations to support men (plus women and communities) to work on meaningful projects. Often involves repair and recycling of items and social connection.
- The A List: Autism friendly events and social activities database
- BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation: Empowerment and advocacy for First Nations LGBTQ+ communities
- Australian Asexuals: Online community for asexual folks throughout Australia
- Victorian Pride Centre: Support and connection for LGBTQIA+ communities
Online Resources
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Goblin Tools: Free AI-based tool to support executive functioning. Great for ADHDers!
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Tiimo: App to support time blindness (free option available)
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Ticktick/Todoist: Task manager tools, to support getting 'stuff' done (free option available).