Lifeline
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention for all Australians.
Emergency in Australia? Call 000 immediately for police, ambulance, or fire.
If you need help right now
Life After The Light is not a crisis service and cannot provide emergency support. If you are in immediate danger, please call 000. The services below are staffed around the clock by trained counsellors.
These resources are primarily tailored to Australian viewers
The majority of services listed on this page are based in Australia and are most relevant to people located in Australia. If you are outside Australia, please refer to the international helplines section below, or search for crisis support services in your country.
Mental health & suicide prevention
Beyond Blue
Support for anxiety, depression, and mental health concerns.
Suicide Call Back Service
Free professional counselling for people affected by suicide.
MindSpot
Free online and telephone mental health service for adults.
Family, domestic & sexual violence
1800RESPECT
National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
Orange Door
A free service for adults, children, and young people experiencing family violence or child wellbeing concerns. Provides intake, assessment, and referral to specialist support.
Safe Steps (Victoria)
Family violence response centre for people in Victoria.
DV Connect (Queensland)
Crisis support and safety planning for people experiencing domestic violence.
Cult & high-control group exit support
Cult Education Institute
Information and support resources for survivors of cults and high-control groups.
International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
Research, education, and support for those affected by cultic groups.
Open Minds Foundation
Support and resources for people leaving high-control groups.
Young people
Kids Helpline
Free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling for young people aged 5–25.
headspace
Mental health support for young people aged 12–25.
International helplines
Crisis Text Line
Free crisis counselling via text message.
Samaritans (UK & Ireland)
Confidential emotional support for people in distress.
Befrienders Worldwide
Directory of crisis support centres in over 50 countries.
Practical support programs & payments
Leaving a high-control group often means rebuilding your finances, housing, and independence from scratch. The programs below can help with immediate financial assistance, housing, and essential services.
Centrelink — Services Australia
Financial assistanceGovernment payments and services including JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Crisis Payment, and Special Benefit. If you have recently left a group or controlling situation, you may be eligible for a Crisis Payment — a one-off payment available within seven days of a major life change.
Leaving Violence Program
Leaving violenceA federal government program providing up to $5,000 in financial support to people leaving a violent relationship. Includes cash, goods, and services to help with immediate safety and independence.
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
Financial assistanceInterest-free loans of up to $2,000 for essential goods and services such as appliances, medical expenses, and car repairs. Available to people on low incomes or Centrelink payments.
Housing Connect / State Housing Authorities
HousingEach state and territory has a social housing and homelessness service. If you are without safe housing after leaving a group, contact your state housing authority or call the national homelessness line.
Legal Aid
Legal supportFree or low-cost legal advice for people who cannot afford a private lawyer. Can assist with intervention orders, family law, tenancy, and debt matters. Contact your state Legal Aid commission.
National Debt Helpline
Financial counsellingFree financial counselling for people in financial difficulty. Can help you understand your options, negotiate with creditors, and plan a path forward.
"You are not alone. Help is available, and reaching out is an act of courage."
Important notice
Life After The Light is a community and information space for cult survivors and the professionals who support them. We are not a crisis service, not a clinical provider, and not a substitute for emergency care.
The services listed on this page are provided for information only. We do not endorse or have any affiliation with these organisations. Please verify contact details directly with each service, as numbers and availability may change.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000 in Australia or your local emergency number.