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In this section you can find a list of useful links relating to women’s health and wellbeing. 

Emergency Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
  • If you have experienced any form of sexual assault recently or in the past, and need crisis support, confidential counselling or other advice or support, contact: Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) 24 Hour Crisis Line 6247 2525, TTY 6247 1657 (business hours), TTY (Sydney) Freecall 1800 652 167
  • If you have experienced or are affected by domestic violence and need crisis support, confidential counselling or other advice or support, contact: Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) 24 Hour Crisis Line 6280 0900, TTY 6228 1852
  • If you need confidential counselling because you have experienced, or at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault, then contact the National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). The service is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • If you require police attendance, contact: Australian Federal Police Attendance Line 131 444
Emergency Mental Health Services

Safe Accommodation for Women Experiencing Homelessness or Escaping Violence
General Health Services
Sexual Health and Sexuality Services
Mental Health Services

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Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting Services
           -  Maternal and Child Health Clinics
           -  Maternal and Child Health Day Stay
           -  Queen Elizabeth ll Family Centre (Public Hospital)
           -  Sleep Group Birth to 6 months
           -  Sleep Group 6 months to 3 years

           -  Social Worker

Free Legal Aid and Complaints Advice
Eating Disorder Treatment Services
Carer Support
Self-Help Groups and Programs
Gambling Services
  • For counselling and email support for anyone with a gambling concern, contact: Gambling Help Online

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Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) - 6249 8488 ALS provides legal advice and representation for indigenous people in Canberra and the surrounding region (Queanbeyan, Yass, Goulburn, Cooma)

ACT Pro Bono Clearinghouse - 6247 5700 For people who need legal assistance, and who cannot afford professional fees, but who are not eligible for Legal Aid. The Clearing House refers eligible applications for pro bono assistance to a network of legal providers who may be able to assist.

AIDS Action Council – 6257 2855

The AIDS Action Council of the ACT provides services to the ACT community aimed at eliminating further transmission of HIV and minimising the personal and social impacts of HIV and AIDS.

Althea Wellness Centre - 6122 8080
The Althea Wellness Centre at DIRECTIONS ACT is a specialist GP and allied health service especially for people with issues in using alcohol and/or other drugs, and their significant others. Althea currently has a GP two sessions a week who bulk bills, a clinic nurse who's services have no charge (bulk billing applies to some services), a psychologist bulk bills, and a naturopath.

Australian Breastfeeding Association – 1800 686 2 686
The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is an organisation of people interested in the promotion and protection of breastfeeding. Amongst these are breastfeeding women and their partners and health professionals such as doctors, lactation consultants and midwives. ABA was founded with the primary aim of giving mother-to-mother support to breastfeeding women.
With the support of the Lactation Resource Centre (LRC), ABA provides information to its counsellors and educates the wider community, from preschools to universities and professional organisations. ABA's voluntary breastfeeding counsellors are experienced mothers who have completed an intensive training programme and have successfully breastfed their own children. They are bound by a code of ethics and offer their support over the telephone, in person and through a wide range of literature.

Beryl Women's Refuge - 6247 5689
Provides crisis accommodation for women with children escaping domestic violence.

BeyondBlue – 1300 22 4636, TTY: 133 677 BeyondBlue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders in Australia. BeyondBlue works in partnership with health services, schools, workplaces, universities, media and community organisations, as well as people living with depression, to bring together their expertise around depression. BeyondBlue aims to: increase community awareness of depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders and address associated stigma; provide people living with depression and their carers with information on the illness and effective treatment; develop depression prevention and early intervention programs; improve training and support for GPs and other healthcare professionals on depression; and initiate and support depression-related research

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BreastScreen ACT – 13 20 50
BreastScreen ACT is part of a national population breast screening program that is aimed at reducing deaths from breast cancer through early detection. Extensive research has demonstrated that the most benefit, in terms of reducing deaths from breast cancer, can be achieved by regular 2 yearly screening of women in the age group of 50-69 years.
In the Program breast screening is done through the use of mammography (low-dose breast x-rays). The Program also provides an assessment clinic where women who have an abnormality detected on their screening mammogram can come for further investigations.

The BreastScreen Program is free to all women.

Canberra Endometriosis Centre – 6244 3677
The Canberra Endometriosis Centre is a multidisciplinary network of health professionals that work in partnership with women and teenagers with endometriosis and their families. The Centre provides ongoing support through diagnosis, treatment and long term management of endometriosis. A referral from your GP is required before an appointment can be made with the Specialist Canberra Endometriosis Centre.

Canberra Hospital Walk – in Centre

The Walk-in Centre provides fast, free access to one-off advice and treatment for people with minor illness and injury. You can see a specialist nurse for advice, assessment and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries such as cuts and bruises, minor infections, strains, skin complaints and coughs and colds. If necessary, you’ll be redirected to the most appropriate healthcare professional. Children under 2 years and people with complex or serious conditions should see their GP. No appointment is necessary. The clinic is open from 7am – 11pm every day of the year and is free.

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Canberra Rape Crisis Centre – 6247 2525 (24 hour helpline), TTY 6247 1657 business hours, TTY (Sydney) Freecall 1800 652 167, NRS 132 544.Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) offers a 24 hour crisis service and phone line and confidential counselling and support for women and children who have experienced any form of sexual assault recently or in the past.  Beyond this the CRCC also offers:

  • Advocacy and information
  • Support through all legal and medical processes, including court preparation
  • Information on legal and medical processes
  • Referral to relevant agencies, services and government departments
  • Support for family and friends
  • Education workshops for schools, organisations and the community
  • Support groups for survivors of sexual assault
  • A free community library service
Canberra Sexual Health Centre – 6244 2184 Canberra Sexual Health Centre is located at the Canberra Hospital and provides free and confidential information, counselling and treatment for all sexual health matters. The Centre is staffed by doctors and nurses trained in the area of sexual health.

No appointment is necessary on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9am - 2pm and on Wednesday between 1.30pm - 3.30pm. For an appointment at other times please phone 6244 2184 during business hours.

Care Inc & Consumer Law Centre - 6257 1788

For people on low or moderate incomes who have debt or other financial problems. Care provides free financial counselling, legal assistance and advice about issues of consumer credit, utilities, telecommunication. Fair trading and consumer protection. There is an after hours service available every Wednesday from 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Call between 9am - 12pm Monday to Friday to make an appointment.

Carers ACT – 6296 9900

Carers ACT are the recognised and expert voice with and for Carers in the ACT. Carers ACT delivers Carer services and support programs; leads change through representation, policy development and advice to government; and provides information, education and training for Carers and service providers.

The Centre for Eating and Dieting Disorders (CEDD) - 02 8587 0200

CEDD promotes awareness of eating disorders and provides information about eating disorders and about services to help people with eating disorders.

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services – 1800 629 354 (24 hour helpline) or 6205 1469 during office hours.
This service provides assessment and treatment for people aged 18 years and under who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health problems. An appointment is required.

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Citizens Advice Bureau – 6248 7988

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is committed to providing up to date information, referral and support to all ACT residents. By educating people about their options, rights and responsibilities CAB aims to enhance individuals’ access to community resources and empower them to make informed decisions about their own life situations.

Conflict Resolution Service - 6162 4050

Open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Provides mediation, dispute counselling, facilitation for a wide range of issues and disputes; also offers training and community education in the area of conflict management/resolution skills and strategies. Mediation sessions can be arranged after hours or on Saturday. Phone for an appointment. The CRS assists people to resolve their conflicts peacefully.

Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team – 1800 629 354 (24 hour helpline) or 6205 1065 during office hours

The Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) provides a 24-hour, seven day a week service used for assessment and treatment of mentally ill people in crisis situations.

Disability Discrimination Legal Service - 6247 2018 The DDLS provides free legal advice and assistance for people who have been discriminated against based on their disability. Open 9.30am to 1pm Thursdays, and 1.30pm to 4pm Fridays.

Domestic Violence Crisis Service – 6280 0900 (24 hour helpline), TTY: 6228 1852.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) provides crisis intervention, advocacy, referral, information, support and practical assistance for people subjected to, or using, violence and abuse in relationships, giving priority to those subjected to violence. The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides:

  • Information and referrals for women, men and young people.
  • Facilitation of access to safe accommodation i.e. refuges, motel
  • Education in schools and in the community Court support for those who have been subjected to violence.
  • Support for family and friends of those affected by domestic violence
  • Works co operatively with other agencies to reduce the incidence of domestic violence in the community.
Doris Women's Refuge - 6278 9999

Provides supported short and medium term accommodation and transitional support for women and children leaving domestic or family violence.

Emergency Department or Ambulance - 000

For serious illness or injury, such as someone experiencing severe breathing difficulties, loss of blood, head injuries, loss of consciousness, severe chest pains, severe allergic reactions or suspected broken bones, which requires urgent attention, call 000 for an ambulance or go to the Emergency Department.

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Find a Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist is qualified to give you expert advice on many health issues including everyday illnesses, cuts and bruises, healthy eating, obesity, giving up smoking and information about prescribed and over the counter medicines. The advice is free and, usually, you don’t need to make an appointment. Some pharmacists also have a semi-private area where you can talk in confidence. They may suggest a visit to the GP for more serious symptoms.

Gambling Help Online

Gambling Help Online provides live counselling and email support for anyone with a gambling concern. It is anonymous, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Gambling Help Online is an initiative of the Ministerial Council on Gambling (MCG) and is funded as part of an agreement between all State and Territory Governments and the Australian Government.

Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service - 1300 806 258

The Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service is a free ACT Health telephone and web based service staffed by qualified health coaches, aimed at helping adults to make lifestyle changes regarding healthy eating, physical activity, and how to reach and maintain a healthy weight.  

Ginninderra Medical Centre – 6112 7111 Located at the corner of Nettleford St and Coulter Dr in Belconnen, this medical centre has a nurse’s clinic where you can book a pap smear.

GP Surgery

Your local GP surgery provides a range of services, including general medical advice and treatment, prescriptions, referrals to specialists or hospital where appropriate, immunizations, and tests such as blood tests or pap smears. For ongoing comprehensive healthcare, especially for those with acute problems, children under 2 years and those with complex medical problems, a GP is your best option. Call your GP for an appointment. The GP Surgery website linked to here will help you to locate your nearest available GP service. 

If you need medical assistance outside surgery hours, ring HealthDirect on 1800 022 222.

HealthDirect Australia – 1800 022 222 (24 hour helpline), TTY: 1800 555 677, Speak and Listen: 1800 555 727, TIS: 131 450, Internet Relay Users connect to the NRS and ask for 1800 022 222. HealthDirect Australia is a free 24-hour telephone health advice line that is staffed by Registered Nurses who provide expert health advice. You can call for advice if you or a member of your family are feeling ill and you are unsure what to do, or for health information on a particular condition. Call HealthDirect to find out your nearest GP, pharmacist, dentist or support group and to access your local out-of-hours healthcare provider. A new after hours GP helpline service has been added to the existing 24-hour nurse triage service. The GP helpline service is free to callers from landlines within Australia, and begins operating from 1 July 2011. It will be accessible from 6pm to 8am Mondays to Saturdays, and from 12 noon on Saturdays to 8am Mondays, and all day on public holidays.
To speak to an out of hours GP please call 1800 022 222.

Heira House (Northside) - 6278 3544
Crisis accommodation & related services for women, 16 years and on, unaccompanied by children, who are homeless due to domestic violence.

Human Rights Commission - 6205 2222

The Commission provides a fair and accessible process for dealing with complaints about discrimination, health services, disability services, services for older people, community services, and services for children and young people; as well as promoting service improvement and developing awareness in government, and the community, of human rights.

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Inanna Inc – 6295 3323

Inanna works to alleviate the issues affecting people or families who are experiencing homelessness or violence or living with mental health issues or the effects of trauma. Inanna offers: crisis accommodation for women, children and families; outreach support; mental health respite support; Indigenous Housing Program; support groups; counselling; and the Aurora Program.

Law Society of the ACT - 6247 5700

Free legal advice is available by appointment, 12.30pm to 2pm weekdays.

Legal Aid ACT - 6243 3471, Legal Aid Helpline: 1300 654 314 (9am to 4pm weekdays) After Hours Urgent Matters: 0429 440 084

Free legal advice and assistance is available for all residents of ACT. Free legal information and limited advice available over the phone. Free half-hour appointment with a lawyer. The Legal Aid Office can provide advice and referrals on a wide range of legal issues. Legal representation is available for people who cannot afford a private lawyer (eligibility criteria apply).

Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24 hour helpline)
Lifeline Canberra takes calls from people who are in need of support at times of crisis. The crisis may be large or small, immediate or ongoing; whatever the situation counsellors provide impartial, non-judgmental, confidential counselling.
People call Lifeline’s 24 hour crisis support service about many things including:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Loneliness
  • Abuse and trauma
  • Physical or mental wellbeing
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts
  • Stresses from work, family or society
  • Information for friends and family

Louisa Womens Refuge (Queanbeyan) - 6299 4799 (24 hour helpline)
Crisis accommodation & support for women & children leaving domestic violence.

Marie Stopes International – 1800 003 707 (24 hour helpline)

Marie Stopes International (MSI) is a worldwide sexual and reproductive healthcare provider offering the highest quality of care in family planning and sexual health. In Australia, MSI provide abortion, vasectomy, contraception, STI (STD) check-ups for men and women, unplanned pregnancy help and advice, and general sexual health advice through our licensed and accredited centres in the ACT, NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

Mental Health Foundation ACT - 6282 6658 (10am to 5pm weekdays)
The Mental Health Foundation ACT provides an information and referral service, peer support groups and programs, respite care, outreach support and a residential long stay program.

National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Service
If you need confidential counselling because you have experienced, or at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault, then contact the National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). The service is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Professionally qualified, specialist counsellors will provide counselling, information, advice and referrals to relevant local services. Workers and counsellors in isolated and remote areas who work with victims of physical or sexual violence can also call 1800 RESPECT to access clinical supervision, advice and debriefing services.

Also available is 1800 RESPECT Online.   This service allows access to chat with a qualified and experienced counsellor about your concerns. It is not a crisis service.
1800RESPECT Online offers one to one, online contact with a qualified and experienced counsellor who can offer:
          - The opportunity to ask questions
          - Access to information including referral to services
          - Support
          - Help about what to do next
Online counselling is only one form of counselling and may not be appropriate for all people. Face to face or telephone counselling may be more appropriate.

Night Time Legal Advice Service - 6247 2177 or 1800 445 665 (if calling from outside Canberra)

Open from 6pm to 8pm Tuesday evenings, as a phone or drop in service. Advice is given on most areas of law, including advice on employment matters.

Ombudsman's Office - 1800 362 072 The Commonwealth and ACT Ombudsman's services are available to anyone who has a complaint about an Australian Government or ACT government agency which they have been unable to resolve. The Ombudsman is also the Defence Ombudsman, Taxation Ombudsman, Immigration Ombudsman and Postal Industry Ombudsman and has an oversight function for complaints concerning the AFP.

Phillip Medical Centre – 6112 7000

Located at 33 Colbee Court in Phillip, this medical centre has a nurse’s clinic where you can book a pap smear.

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Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline - 1800 882 436
On their website you will find general health information on topics including pregnancy, birthing and parenting in the first 12 months.

Post and Antenatal Depression Support and Information – 6287 3961, 9.30am-2.30pm Monday-Thursday.
Pregnancy and early parenthood can be a stressful time. It can sometimes be difficult to know whether you are just feeling a little down or stressed, or whether you have symptoms of depression or anxiety. Perinatal depression is an ‘umbrella’ term used to describe symptoms of depression and anxiety that a woman experiences at any time during pregnancy (antenatal depression) and within the first year after giving birth (postnatal depression). Post and Antenatal Depression Support and Information (PANDSI) provides information on any issues relating to postnatal or antenatal depression and runs support groups for parents dealing with these.

Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277
Relationships Australia is a not-for-profit community organisation assisting all Australians to build strong and positive relationships. They offer relationship support services such as counselling, mediation and relationship education to individuals, couples, families and communities.

Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT – 6247 3077

Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) is a leader in sexual and reproductive health workforce development, health promotion and clinical service delivery to reduce barriers to improved sexual and reproductive health. SHFPACT offer a comprehensive range of services including: contraceptive options and services, and emergency contraception; unplanned pregnancy counseling; testing, treatment and advice for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s); pap smears and breast checks; and information on menopause.

SHOUT Inc (Self Help Organisations United Together) – 6290 1984
SHOUT Inc brings together self-help groups who are made up of people who share the same problem, concern or life experience. At the heart of self-help is the belief that, given resources, information, skills and support everybody has the right and capability to manage their own lives in ways that best suit them. SHOUT promotes cooperation and a sense of unity so that member organisations can continue to function effectively.

SIDS and Kids ACT – 6287 4255

SIDS and Kids ACT is dedicated to eliminating sudden and unexpected death in children from conception to six years of age and providing programs and services aimed at reducing the impact of such a death.

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St Vincent de Paul Society - 6282 2722
The St Vincent de Paul Society provides housing and transitional housing. In partnership with the community, government and other agencies it provides a range of services responsive to the needs of people who are homeless or are in housing crisis.

Tenants Advice Service - 6247 1026

Open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.00pm and Tuesdays 4.30pm to 8.00pm. The Tenants Advice Service provides free legal advice on tenancy and renting issues. Tenancy information sheets are available via their website or admin on the above number.

Throsby Place multidisciplinary assessment and treatment program – 1800 629 354 (24 hour referral line) or 6205 1519 for general service information.

Throsby Place offers outpatient group programs for Bulimia Nervosa and a day program for Anorexia Nervosa. The programs have a strong emphasis on early intervention rather than treating chronic cases and are available at no charge.

Toora House - 6247 2399 (24 hour helpline)
Safe residential accommodation for women in crisis, from 16 years of age, unaccompanied by children.

Victim Support ACT - 1800 822 272

Victim Support ACT is an advocate and information source for victims of crime. Promotes reforms in the law, and in services for victims of crime. Implements projects to improve responses to victims of crime. Provides advocacy, coping strategies, counselling, rehabilitation, court support, debriefing, help preparing statements, reports and other documents and practical assistance for victims of crime.

Vivienne Lewis – 6201 5687
Dr Lewis is a practicing psychologist (Clinical) who specializes in body image, a person’s perception of, attitudes and feelings towards their physical body and how this relates to their well-being and mental health. She is currently engaged in researching and running therapeutic groups for men and women who want to improve their body image as well as assisting parents promote positive body image in their children as well as prevent eating disorders. This program is called Positive Bodies: Loving The Skin You’re In.

Dr Lewis has worked clinically in Canberra and Perth with men, women and children in areas including eating disorders, child abuse, trauma, mental health, disability, substance abuse and intellectual disabilities. She is a member of the professional body The Australia Psychological Society and is the previous ACT State Chair. Dr Lewis runs a clinical practice specializing in adolescents and adults with eating disorders.

Welfare Rights and Legal Centre - 6247 2177 The WRLC provides advice and assistance with a range of legal problems including income support (social security, student assistance and veteran's assistance), tenancy (private tenancy and government housing), and Legal Aid appeals.

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service – 6284 6222

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Services is charitable non-profit organisation. Winnunga Nimmityjah means Strong Health. The service logo is the Corroboree Frog that is indigenous and significant to Aboriginal people in the ACT region. The holistic model of health care provided by Winnunga Nimmityjah AHS encompasses not only medical care, but a range of programs to promote good health and healthy lifestyles.

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Women’s Health Service – 6205 1078
Women’s Health Service (WHS) is a service by women for women. Staff specialize in women’s health issues and provide medical, counseling, drug and alcohol support, domestic violence, mental health and other health services for women and their families.
WHS is no longer providing appointments for routine pap smears to all women. WHS will give priority for all their services to women who experience significant barriers to accessing services. WHS services will be available to women who: have experienced violence, abuse and/or neglect; experience language barriers; identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; have difficulties with mental health or substance abuse issues; have a disability; are homeless or at risk of homelessness; or are financially disadvantaged.

Women’s Information and Referral Centre – 6205 1075

Women's Information and Referral Centre (WIRC) is a confidential and free ACT Government service, which provides information and referral to support women in making informed choices and achieving self-determination. Women and/or their family members are welcome to use the service.

Women’s Legal Centre – 6257 4499 (TTY compatible) or 1800 634 669
The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) provides legal information, advice and referrals for women with legal issues, including divorce and separation, disputes over children, property settlement, domestic violence, child support, going to court, sexual harassment, sex discrimination and workplace issues. A telephone advice line is available from 9.30am to 12pm weekdays. Face to face interviews are by appointment on weekdays from 9am to 5pm and every second Tuesday evening from 5.30 - 7pm.

If you need more assistance than we can provide, or if your problem is outside our area of expertise, the WLC will refer you to appropriate lawyers and other support services.

Youth Law Centre ACT - 6262 7077

A drop-in legal and referral service for young people aged 12-25 years. Provides information and assistance on issues such as employment, fines, debt, discrimination and criminal matters.

YWCA – Canberra – 6175 9900

The YWCA of Canberra works towards women achieving security and independence through their economic participation and women and their families having access to the conditions and resources they need to lead healthy lives: food, shelter, education, income, a sustainable environment, social justice and community cohesion.

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If you think we have missed something or your organisation is not listed here, then drop us a line at admin@wchm.org.au and let us know!


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