Resources and support options available to deaf or hard of hearing teenagers and young adults
If you are in an emergency or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on triple 0 (000).
If you need to speak to someone urgently, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.
(The information and networks on this page is to provide links to mainstream support services for young adults with a hearing loss in areas of mental health support, social isolation support, hearing devices, and links to latest COVID supports. If there are any need for communication access, it is recommended to conduct an online search using key words – “captioning services” or “Auslan interpreter”.)
National Relay Service
If you are deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people who use a phone, the National Relay Service (NRS) can help you.
- A call through the NRS lets you communicate with a hearing person who is using a phone even if you can’t hear or don’t use your voice.
- The NRS has specially trained staff called Relay Officers who help with every call.
- Depending on the type of call, a Relay Officer will change voice to text or text to voice and AUSLAN to English or English to AUSLAN.
- Relay officers stay on the line throughout each call to help it go smoothly, but don’t change or get in the way of what is being said.
- Except for calls made through Video Relay, the NRS is available 24 Hours a day, every day.
- Depending on your hearing and speech, and equipment you have, you can choose from one or more relay call types.
Voice Relay number- 1300 555 727
TTY number- 133 677
SMS relay number- 0423 677 767
Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14 available nightly – Australia’s first SMS-based Crisis Support service, any person in Australia can receive support from a Crisis Supporter by text message every night.
Online chat available nightly – The online chat service is available for people who prefer to type than talk. Any person in Australia can chat with a Crisis Supporter through the Lifeline Australia website each night.”
Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service CLICK TO ACCESS ADVICE/HELP
Go to Webchat This chat supports you by:
- providing information and advice about anxiety and depression that you may be experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- pointing you in the right direction to seek further support
- identifying other services that meet your needs
Online Chat available 1pm to 12am 7 days per week – the online chat service is available for young people who prefer to type than talk to reach out for advice, someone to chat to, or simply to have someone to talk to.
If unable to chat or prefer phone – call 1300 224 636 (it is ok to let them know you have a hearing loss)
Access e-headspace to find out more about “group chat”, “create your own space”, or “connect 1-1 (9am to 1am AEDST)”
Access a range of topics on ideas on how to manage and cope with these challenging times, explore articles on self-help and support, join a discussion, and find out appropriate tools and apps.
They are here to help with anything! Find out more:
COVID19 Government Information
If you or someone you know have a hearing loss or have a disability and need to find out more about supports by your State Government, here are the links to information which may be of assistance during these times:
New South Wales Government
Queensland Government
Victoria Government
Western Australia Government
South Australia Government
Tasmanian Government
Australian Capital Territory
Northern Territory
Commonwealth of Australia COVID information
Online Interactive programs and information
Bite Back
BITE BACK is a free, self-guided online wellbeing and resilience program for young people aged 13–16 years old. It uses a combination of fun, interactive activities, quizzes, animations and information across nine positive psychology domains including gratitude, optimism, flow, meaning, hope, mindfulness, character strengths, healthy lifestyle, and positive relationships.
Brave Program
The BRAVE Program is an interactive, online program for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety. The programs are free, and provide ways for children and teenagers to better cope with their worries.
MoodGYM
This free, fun, interactive program helps you identify and overcome problem emotions and shows you how to develop good coping skills for the future.
Hearing Devices and Audiology Support
Education
The Law
Our blogs also share valuable insight and experience which can help deaf or hard of hearing teenagers.
