6.1.Emergency Contacts for Families and Friends of Missing Persons
NSW Police Missing Persons Unit
Ph: (02) 9689 7388
Toll Free: 1800 025 091
The NSW Police will undertake investigations to find all persons reported
missing where there are concerns for that person's welfare.
Community Health and Mental Health Centres
(For your local centre please see the Emergency, Health and Help section
of the White Pages)
Most centres have a health or mental health service provider, such as a
social worker, psychologist or counsellor who you would be able to talk
to about your concerns. They may treat you within their team or refer you
elsewhere for further assessment or treatment as appropriate.
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6.2.Tracing Services
Australian Red Cross International Tracing Agency
Ph: (02) 9229 4143
Address: 159 Clarence St, Sydney 2000
Email: tracing@nsw.redcross.org.au
Website: www.redcross.org.au
Helps to re-establish contact between family members or close friends who
have been separated due to war, armed conflict, natural disaster.
Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation
Ph: (02) 4759 1911
Toll free: 1800 624 332
Address: 5 Wallis St
Lawson NSW 2783
Email: linkup@nsw.link-up.org.au
Works with Aboriginal adults who were separated from their families when
they were children.
Salvation Army
Ph: (02) 9211 0277
The Salvation Army Family Tracing Service works nationally, and internationally,
to successfully re-unite families after they have separated.
6.3.Counselling Services
Specific:
Families & Friends of Missing Persons Telephone Support and
Counselling Service
Toll free: 1800 227 772
Provides telephone support, information, and counselling to the family
members and friends of missing persons. Operates from 9am-5pm. (Provided
by the Families and Friends of Missing Persons Unit, Attorney General's Dept of NSW).
Families & Friends of Missing Persons Unit Counselling Service
Ph: (02) 9374 3023
TTY: (02) 9374 3175
Email: ffmpu@agd.nsw.gov.au
Provides counselling when someone first goes missing and for families of
long-term missing, family reunion work, and information on legal issues
and search agencies. The service (provided by the Attorney-General's Department)
is free, confidential and operates from Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.
General:
Australian Psychological Society
Toll free: 1800 333 497
This is the Australian professional body for psychologists. The organisation
is able to provide referral information to a psychologist in your area.
G Line
Toll free: 1800 633 635
Provides 24-hour telephone support to those with an addiction to gambling.
Gambling Counselling Service
Ph: (02) 9671 2011
Offers confidential counselling, education/support groups, and therapeutic
groups.
Grief Support Inc.
Ph: (02) 9489 6644
Provides 24-hour telephone support to those experiencing grief.
Kids Help Line
Toll free: 1800 551 800
Trained counsellors provide a 24-hour confidential and anonymous telephone
counselling service to those aged 5 to 18 years.
Lifeline
Ph: 131 114
Provides 24-hour telephone support offering counselling and referral information.
Some face-to-face counselling is also available.
Trauma Care
Ph: (02) 9838 9001
A private, 24-hour grief and crisis counselling service.
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6.4.Support and Information
ADAHPT
Ph: (02) 8382 1810
Address: 301 Forbes St
Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Email: adahpt@sesahs.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/adahps
Provides advice on the management and treatment of AIDS/HIV related mental
health issues including cognitive impairment and dementia.
ADIS (Alcohol & Drug Information Service)
Ph: (02) 9361 8000
Toll free: 1800 422 599
Website: www.stvincents.com.au
Gives information on alcohol and drug use as well as available support
services.
Al-Anon Information Service
Ph: (02) 9264 9255
Address: GPO Box 3082
Sydney NSW 1043
Offers information and support to family members and friends of those with
an addiction to alcohol.
Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres
Ph: 1800 242 636
Offers support, help and referral for those affected by dementia.
Community Drug and Alcohol Team
(For your local centre please see the Emergency, Health and Help section
of the White Pages).
This government organisation offers services and treatment options to those
with issues around substance use. They also support the family members
and friends of those with substance use issues.
Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Association NSW
Ph: (02) 9411 2186
Provides information to those affected by hyperactivity and/or attention
deficit disorder, especially parents of children with these disorders.
LifeForce
Ph: (02) 9874 2111
Offers a Suicide Prevention Program on the assessment of suicide risk.
Lifeline’s Just Ask
Ph: 1300 131 114
A rural mental health information service.
Mental Health Information and Referral Service - NSW
Ph: 1300 794 991
Address: Level 5, 80 William St
East Sydney NSW 2011
Email: info@mentalhealth.asn.au
Website: www.mentalhealth.asn.au
Offers a comprehensive information and referral service via telephone on mental
health matters; an extensive library of resources is also available.
NALAG (National Association of Loss and Grief)
Ph: (02) 9976 2803
Website: www.griefaustralia.org
Provides information about coping with grief.
Seasons for Growth
Ph: (02) 8912 4844
A peer support program to help young people and adults understand and manage
their reactions to grief, change and loss.
Seniors’ Information Service
Ph: 131 244
Address: Level 4, 280 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Email: sis1@bigpond.com.au
Website: www.add.nsw.gov.au/sis
SIS provides confidential information on more than 10,000 organisations, services,
support groups and on retirement accommodation.
Parent Support Line
Ph: (02) 9331 2000
A telephone counselling and support service for parents.
Salvo Care Crisis Line
Ph: (02) 9331 6000
Provides 24-hour telephone support to anyone experiencing personal hardship.
Salvo Suicide Prevention
Ph: (02) 9331 6000
A telephone service offering support to those contemplating suicide and/or
self-harm, as well as their family members and friends.
SANE Australia
Toll free: 1800 18 SANE (1800 18 7263)
A national charity that helps people affected by mental illness. Through
their website and helpline the organisation provides a lot of mental health information
including fact sheets, various publications, and extensive links to others
mental health sites.
Wayside Chapel
Ph: (02) 9358 6577
Address: 29 Hughes St
Potts Point NSW 2011
Email:nomad@gtml.com.au
Provides outreach to homeless people, Drop-in Centre, counselling and advocacy.
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6.5.Other Useful Organisations
After Care Association of NSW
Ph: (02) 9810 7100
Address: 3/3 Wharf Rd
Leichhardt NSW 2040
Offers rehabilitation and accommodation support services for adults who are
recovering from a mental illness usually after a period of hospitalisation.
Carer Resource Centre
Toll free: 1800 242 636
Offers information to those who look after a loved one.
Coroner’s Office
Ph: (02) 8584 7777
Can answer questions about the process involved in coronial enquiries.
Home and Community Care Programs
Ph: (02) 9633 8499 - Enquiries
1800 350 792 - Referrals
Address: Level 4, 6 Parkes St
Parramatta NSW 2150
Website: www.homecare.nsw.gov.au
Offers support, help and referral for those affected by dementia.
Red Cross
Ph: (02) 9229 4111
Red Cross provides over 60 community services ranging from blood supplies
and disaster services to first aid and refugee services.
Richmond Fellowship of NSW
Ph: (02) 9660 4833
Address: 28 Ross St
Glebe NSW 2037
Provides accommodation, support and rehabilitation services for people
with a psychiatric disability.
7. Using the Internet
7.1.Websites Specifically for Families and Friends of Missing Persons
Someone Is Missing
Website: www.missingpersons.org.au
Provides the information included in this resource however, as it is regularly
updated the website ensures the availability of more current information.
Family and Friends of Missing Persons Unit
Website: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/missingpersons
This government initiative coordinates support services for the family
members and friends of missing persons, and works closely with both police
and non-police tracing organisations.
International Committee of the Red Cross
Website: www.familylinks.icrc.org/
If you have lost contact with relatives in a conflict or crisis the International
Committee of the Red Cross will do all it can to help you by means of its
familylinks website.
International Social Service
Website: www.iss.ssi.org
Website: www.home.vicnet.au/issaust
“
International Social Service is a world-wide network of social work agencies
that aim at helping individuals and families with social problems resulting
from voluntary or forced migration” (ISS Manual, 2000). ISS is comprised
of 20 Branches and National Affiliated Bureaus with the General Secretariat
based in Geneva.
Missing Kids
Website: www.missingkids.com
Although American-based, this website offers information to increase international
awareness about critical issues. An added feature though, is the fact that
information is offered in various languages and the website also allows
you to print posters in these languages.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Website: www.missingkids.com
NCMEC serves as a focal point in providing assistance to parents, children,
law enforcement, schools, and the community in recovering missing children
and raising public awareness about ways to help prevent child abduction,
molestation, and sexual exploitation.
National Missing Persons Unit (Australia)
Website: www.missingpersons.gov.au
This national body offers a united effort to reduce the number of missing
persons, as well as minimise the consequences when people do go missing.
NSW Police Missing Persons Unit
Website: www.police.nsw.gov.au/missingpersons/missingpersons.cfm
Created by the NSW Police to advise the family members and friends of missing
persons of the action they can take in the attempt to locate loved ones.
Operation Go Home
Website: www.operationgohome.ca/index.html
Operation Go Home was founded in 1971 by Reverend Norman Johnston. He worked
with police, the courts and “street people” to reunite hundreds
of youth with their families. His main mission was to contact young runaways
on the streets and help them return home. His mandate continues today in
the hope to reconcile street youth with their families.
Rachel Foundation
Website: www.rachelfoundation.org
The Rachel Foundation is a Canadian not-for-profit organisation whose primary
purpose is to aid abducted and alienated children through reintegration
and research.
Red Cross
Website: www.redcross.org
Website: www.redcross.org.uk
When families are separated by armed conflict, political upheaval or natural
disaster the Red Cross tries to keep families in touch through its International
Tracing and Message service.
Salvation Army
Website: www.salvos.org.au
The Salvation Army Family Tracing Service works nationally, and internationally,
to successfully re-unite families after they have separated.
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7.2.Websites for Mental Health-Related Matters
Alzheimer’s Australia
Website: www.alzheimers.org.au
A non-profit, community organisation that advocates for and supports the
dignity and quality of life of people living with dementia, their carers,
and family members throughout Australia. The services offered by the organisation
include respite care, support groups, information, education and counselling.
American Psychological Association
Website: www.apa.org
Provides informative material on mental health issues.
Australian Transcultural Mental Health Network
Website: www.atmhn.unimelb.edu.au/links
Links transcultural psychiatric services and other relevant bodies to improve
the quality and accessibility of services available to those in Australia
who are part of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities.
beyondblue
Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
The Australian national depression initiative which primarily aims to increase
community awareness about depression.
Carers NSW
Website: www.carernsw.asn.au
Offers information, support and referrals to people who look after a relative
or friend with a disability, a chronic illness or who is frail aged.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Website: www.dbsalliance.org
An American website dedicated to improving the lives of people living with
mood disorders.
DepressioNet
Website: www.depressionet.com.au
A comprehensive, Australian-based website with information and personal
stories for people with depression, their family members and friends.
Dulwich Centre
Website: www.dulwichcentre.com.au
Offers information on narrative therapy and other counselling styles.
eMJA Mental Health Information Centre
Website: www.mja.com.au
Provides a guide to mental health disorders. Readers may print a single
copy for personal use.
Health in Mind
Website: www.healthinmind.com
Provides general information on mental health issues.
Kids Help Line
Website: www.kidshelp.com.au
Offers children and young people a wealth of information and support through
an interactive way, helping them cope with an array of difficulties.
Mental Health
Website: www.mentalhealth.com
Website: www.mentalhealth.org
Presents a free encyclopedia of mental health information, includes disorders
and information on medication.
Mental Health Association NSW Inc
Website: www.mentalhealth.asn.au
Non-government organisation whose primary activities include the provision
of mental health information, facilitation of support groups for people
experiencing mental health problems, advocacy on mental health issues and
the promotion of positive mental health through public education. Operates
the NSW Mental Health Information Service (see listing). Wide range of
fact sheets on mental health issues available on this site.
Mental Health Council of Australia
Website: www.mhca.com.au
The independent, non-government sector peak body established under the
National Mental Health Strategy to represent and promote the interests
of the mental health sector and advise on mental health in Australia.
Mental Health Research Institute in Victoria
Website: www.auscharity.org/mhri.htm
Offers information on current research initiatives that aim to investigate
mental health matters.
Mental Help Net
Website: http://mentalhelp.net
Offers access to an extensive range of online mental health resources.
Psych Net
Website: www.psychnet-uk.com
Provides informative articles on mental health issues.
Psych WWW
Website: www.psychwww.com/mtsite/smpage.html
Offers information on a range of mind tools that are particularly useful
during times of extreme stress.
Reach Out!
Website: www.reachout.com.au
A great website for young people that includes a help kit, fact sheets
and a chill out room.
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Website: www.ranzcp.org
A fellowship of psychiatrists working together with and for the general
community to achieve the best attainable quality of psychiatric care and
mental health. Their website offers links to mental health resources.
Shoplifters Anonymous
Website: www.shopliftersanonymous.com
Specifically geared to those with an addiction to shoplifting.
Stress Tips
Website: www.stresstips.com
A directory of stress management resources.
Ybblue
Website: www.ybblue.com.au
A community awareness campaign to reduce the stigma associated with depression
and to promote help-seeking behaviour in 17 to 25 year olds. The website
educates family members and friends of young people at risk of depression
by highlighting the behaviours that would suggest a young person might
be at increased risk of depression or of compromising their health.
Yes To Life
Website: www.yestolife.com.au
A new, comprehensive online resource on depression and anxiety.
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7.3.Websites for Health-Related Matters
Health Insite
Website: www.healthinsite.gov.au
An initiative by the Commonwealth Government offering information and links
to a variety of health topics
Medical Journal of Australia
Website: www.mja.com.au
An invaluable resource of latest research findings.
My Dr
Website: www.mydr.com.au
Aims to foster a healthy Australia by providing thorough information on
health-related topics.
NSW Health Department
Website: www.health.nsw.gov.au
A complete website with health-related information.
Somazone
Website: www.somazone.com.au
Created by young people for young people, this website offers information
on youth health matters, the personal stories of young people, and an opportunity
to have questions answered.
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8. Self-Help and Support Groups
ACON (AIDS Council of NSW)
Ph: (02) 9206 2000
Address: 9 Commonwealth St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Website: www.acon.org.au
Supports initiatives to reduce the negative effects associated with HIV/AIDS.
The organisation organises self-help and support groups, information sessions,
and other community development efforts.
Al-Anon
Ph: (02) 9663 1206
A twelve step fellowship that provides support and information to the family
members and friends of people with substance use issues.
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Ph: (02) 9805 0100
Toll free: 1800 639 331
Address: Vincent Fairfax Family Resource Centre
120 Coxs Road
North Ryde NSW 2113
Website: www.alzheimers.org.au
A non-profit, community organisation that advocates for and supports the dignity
and quality of life of people living with dementia, their carers, and family
members throughout Australia. The services offered by the organisation include
respite care, support groups, information, education and counselling.
Anxiety Disorders Alliance
Ph: (02) 9570 4519
Toll free: 1800 626 055
Address: PO Box 731
Kogarah NSW 1485
Email: ada@mentalhealth.asn
Website: www.mentalhealth.asn.au/ada
Offers support to those experiencing anxiety disorders including Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder and phobias.
ARAFMI (Association of Friends and Relatives of the Mentally Ill)
Address: PO Box 302
North Ryde NSW 2113
Ph: (02) 9805 1883
Toll free: 1800 655 198 (24 hours)
Provides telephone support as well as self-help or support groups for family
members and friends of those with mental health issues.
Carers NSW
Ph: (02) 9280 4744
Toll free: 1800 242 636
Address: Level 17
323 Castlereagh St
Sydney NSW 2000
Email: contact@carer.asn.au
Website: www.carernsw.asn.au
Offers information, support and referrals to people who look after a relative
or friend with a disability, a chronic illness or who is frail aged.
Club Speranza (Australian Mental Health Suicide Consumer Alliance Inc)
Ph: (02) 9908 1233
Address: PO Box 96
Neutral Bay NSW 2089
Email: speranza@bigpond.com
Offers education, training, counselling, resources and self-help or support
groups for people affected by suicide or self-harm.
Compassionate Friends
Ph: (02) 9290 2355
Address: GPO Box 1303
Sydney NSW 1043
A self-help group supporting bereaved parents.
Depression and Mood Disorders Association
Ph: 1300 794 991
Address: C/- Mental Health Association NSW Inc
Level 5, 80 William St
East Sydney NSW 2011
Website: http://dmda.mentalhealth.asn.au/
Offers support to those affected by depression and other mood disorders. This
support is also offered to family members and friends.
Eating Disorders Association of NSW Inc
Ph: (02) 9899 5344
Address: PO Box 811
Castle Hill NSW 1765
Assists those with issues around eating.
Gam-Anon
Ph: (02) 9564 1594
A 12 step fellowship that provides support and information to the family
members and friends of people with an addiction to gambling.
GROW Inc
Ph: (02) 9569 5566
Address: PO Box 64
Petersham NSW 2049
A self-help or support group that meets about mental health issues and uses
a program to enhance recovery.
Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Association NSW
Ph: (02) 9411 2186
Address: 29 Bertram St
Chatswood NSW 2067
Offers guidance to those affected by hyperactivity and/or attention deficit
disorders, including parents.
Lifeline Anxiety Support Network
Ph: (02) 9949 5522
Address: 310 Sydney Rd
Balgowlah NSW 2093
Gives support to those experiencing anxiety.
Mental Health Information and Referral Service - NSW
Ph: 1300 794 991
Address: Level 5, 80 William St
East Sydney NSW 2011
Email: info@mentalhealth.asn.au
Website: www.mentalhealth.asn.au
Has up-to-date information on self-help and support groups that meet around
mental health-related issues.
NA (Narcotics Anonymous)
Ph: (02) 9212 3444
A twelve step fellowship that provides support and information to those
with substance use issues.
Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW Inc
Ph: (02) 9879 2600
Address: Locked Bag 5014
Gladesville NSW 1675
Email: sfnsw@ozemail.com.au
Website: www.sfnsw.webcentral.com.au
Aims to support people with schizophrenia and allied disorders, their family
members, and their friends. It provides information, support and referrals,
as well as educational and social activities.
Serenity NSW Inc
Ph: (02) 9740 9539
Address: PO Box 707
Campsie NSW 2194
Website: www.serenitynsw.com.au
Addresses issues faced by those experiencing anxiety disorders.
Solace Association Inc.
Ph: (02) 9519 2820
Website: www.solace.org.au
Supports those who have lost a partner through providing counselling and
self-help or support groups.
St John of God Health Services
Ph: (02) 9747 5611
Address: 13 Grantham St
Burwood NSW 2134
Website: www.stjohnofgod.org.au
Offers groups that meet around mental health issues.
9. Other Useful Contacts
Disability Services:
NSW Disability Discrimination Legal Centre
Ph: (02) 9313 6000
Toll free: 1800 800 708
Address: 1-5 Meeks St
Kingsford NSW 2032
A community legal centre that provides legal information and advice on complaints
about disability discrimination.
Multicultural Services:
Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TMHC)
Ph: (02) 9840 3800
Toll free: 1800 648 911
Address: Cumberland Hospital
5 Fleet St
North Parramatta NSW 2151
Website: www.atmhn.unimelb.edu.au
Provides information about mental health matters in various community languages.
10. Literature and Publications
The Families and Friends of Missing Persons Unit has developed publications that may assist in the journey of missing. The publications available on their website include publications for individuals, families as well as service providers. The topics include common reactions and symptoms to having someone you love missing, what it can mean to be a sibling/parent or extended family member of a missing person, how to work with the media effectively in promoting your missing persons case and many other relevant issues. These can be downloaded from their website at www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/missingpersons
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10.1.Coping With Depression
Barrow, I. (1992). Fifteen steps to overcome anxiety and depression.
Auckland: Heinemann.
De Board, R. (1997). Counseling for toads: A psychological adventure.
London: Routledge.
Dowrick, S. (1993). The intimacy & solitude self-therapy book. Port
Melbourne, VIC: Mandarin.
Grounds, D., & Armstrong, J. (1992). Ecstasy & agony: Living with
mood swings: Lothian Publishing.
Read, C. (1992). Doctor, I’m tired: Causes and treatments of fatigue,
sleep disorders, depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Rushcutters Bay,
NSW: Gore & Osment.
Read, C. (1993). Depression: Lifting the cloud. Rushcutters Bay, NSW:
Gore & Osment.
Saltman, D. (1996). With a little help: Choosing and assessing mental
health therapists. Marrickville, NSW: Choice Books.
SANE Australia. The SANE guide to treatments: A guide to treatments for
people seriously affected by mental illness (Brochure).
Tanner, S., & Ball, J. (1995). Beating the blues: A self-help approach
to overcoming depression. Sydney, NSW: Doubleday Publishers.
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10.2.Coping With Grief
Boss, P. (1999). Ambiguous loss: Learning to live with unresolved grief.
Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Boss, P. (2001). Family stress management. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications.
Frankl, V.E. (1984). Man's search for meaning. New York: Simon & Schuster.
French, J. (2000). Missing you, love Sara. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
(Suitable for children).
Glassock, G., & Gressor, M. (1992). Living with loss & grief.
Rushcutters Bay, NSW: Gore & Osment.
Jones, B. (1988). Searching for Tony: Profile of a missing person. Richmond,
VIC: Spectrum Publications.
McKissock, M., & McKissock, D. (2001). Coping with grief. Sydney,
NSW: ABC Books & Audio.
National Missing Persons Unit. SOS: Search options and support - A guide
for the families and friends of missing persons. Canberra, ACT.
Nouwen, H.J.M. (1974). Out of the solitude. Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria
Press.
Perkins, G. (1996). Remembering my brother: A&C Black.
(Suitable for children).
Westberg, G.E. (1966). Good grief: A constructive approach to the problem
of loss. Melbourne, VIC: Joint Board of Education of Australia and New
Zealand.
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10.3 Coping With Stress
Balfour, S. (1998). Managing stress in a changing world. London: London
Bridge Trade.
Braiker, H.B. (1986). The type E* woman: How to overcome the stress of
being *everything to everybody. North Ryde, NSW: Angus & Robertson.
Childre, D., & Cryer, B. (Eds.). (1998). Freeze-frame: One minute
stress management: A scientifically proven technique for clear decision
making and improved health: Planetary Publications.
Ellis, A. (1986). Guide to personal happiness: Irving Becker.
Ellis, A. (Ed.). (1997). Stress counseling: A rational emotive behavior
approach. New York: Springer Publishing.
Manning, G., & et al. (1999). Stress: Living and working in a changing
world: Whole Person Associates.
Rector Page, L., & et al. (1997). Stress management, depression and
overcoming addictions: Healthy Healing Publications.
Selye, H. (1978). The stress of life. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Smith, J.C. (2002). Stress management: A comprehensive handbook of techniques
and strategies. New York: Springer Publishing.
Wilson, P. (1995). Instant calm. Ringwood, VIC: Penguin.
