Group Support Canberra is a service that can connect people with each other, provide advice and guidance, give a break and offer services to make caring easier. It can be accessed via online or mobile apps and is free of charge.

The ACT Access Mental Health service can offer immediate support for anyone in crisis. It can also make referrals to other mental health services in the ACT.

Open Arms

Open Arms is the leading provider of mental health assessment, clinical counselling and support services for Australian veterans and their families. Its staff work in close coordination with critical community-based organisations (CBO) to ensure that clients receive the right supports and care.

The program is free and confidential Australia-wide, and can be accessed through a national network of multidisciplinary mental health professionals. The service combines proven clinical practices with new and emerging evidence-based approaches. Its goal is to help people achieve and maintain mental health recovery, reintegration and wellbeing.

Those who are in crisis can call the service anytime, 24 hours a day. During the call, a counsellor will ask questions about the client's situation and discuss options. They will also identify whether the client would benefit from a face to face group treatment program or tele-health counselling. The counsellor will then refer the client to an appropriate service. This could include a GP, psychologist or social worker.

Department of Veterans' Affairs

The Department of Veterans' Affairs is responsible for government programs for veterans, members of the Australian Defence Force, and their dependants. Its portfolio includes compensation, health, housing, education and research, employment services, and commemoration activities. It also manages war graves and memorials. The Department is headed by a Secretary, currently Alison Frame.

Almost 1000 DVA staff will move to new offices in May. The agency will leave 21 Genge Street in the city and take up a 15-year lease at 18 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs has extended eligibility from 1 July for the Defence Service Homes Scheme to all current and former ADF members who have served at least one day of full time military service. This will enable them to benefit from competitive home building insurance premiums that are on average 35 percent lower than other general insurers. It will also provide peace of mind when they return to their families after deployment overseas.

Carers ACT

Carers are a vital part of Canberra's community and provide unpaid care for family members, friends, or neighbours who have disability, health, or frailty. They help them manage daily living and support the person they are caring for to enjoy optimum health and social wellbeing. The ACT Carers Recognition Act 2021 formally recognises the value of this contribution.

The legislation requires local authorities to assess carers, determine eligibility, and offer a personal budget or other support services. It also sets out a range of wellbeing outcomes that should be considered in assessments and eligibility decisions.

Carers ACT has several programs that help improve the mental and emotional health of people who care for someone. These include education workshops and social and therapeutic activities. It also provides a support network and a variety of benefits, such as the ACT Companion Card program. This card offers access to discounts on public transport and at a range of businesses, including cafés and restaurants.

Australian Brain Cancer Foundation

Brain cancer takes a brutal toll, leaving families searching desperately for better care and treatment options. It's an illness that can make it hard, then impossible, to work or learn, do cherished activities, or remember and communicate with those they love.

ABCF tackles this need by funding cutting-edge research, and building a system of support that puts local families first. This includes the Canberra Brain Cancer Support Team, a service delivered on ABCF's behalf by Peace of Mind Foundation and led locally by a dedicated community navigator.

In addition, ABCF funds the ACT Brain Cancer Biobank, led by Professor Leonie Quinn at ANU. This innovative project uses mini brain organoids to study how a patient's own tumour behaves and to test new drugs, paving the way for personalised treatments. This campaign aims to secure 50 long-term Biobank Partners from across the community. It's open to individuals, schools and businesses. Those who raise $5,000+ will earn a private lab tour at ANU.