FREE SUPPORT FOR HOSPITALITY PEOPLE
Not sure where to start? Start here.
You don't need to have the right words or know what kind of support you need.
Whether you're worried about yourself, someone you work with, something happening at work or life outside of it, this page can help you find a sensible next step.
WHATEVER'S GOING ON
YOU DON'THAVE TO
FIGURE IT OUT ALONE.
Support exists. This page helps you work out where to go.
NEED HELP RIGHT NOW?
If someone's life is in immediate danger, call 000.
WHAT'S GOING ON?
Choose the closest fit.
You don't need to diagnose yourself. Pick the situation that feels most relevant and use it as a starting point.
I'm stressed, anxious, low or overwhelmed
Free and low-cost mental health support, including somewhere to start if you've never asked for help before.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT ↓02I'm worried about someone I work with
How to approach a coworker, listen and help them connect with support without trying to become their therapist.
SUPPORT A COWORKER ↓03Something at work doesn't feel right
Bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination or another workplace concern.
WORKPLACE HELP ↓04Alcohol or drugs are becoming a problem
Confidential support if you're worried about your own substance use or someone else's.
ALCOHOL + DRUG SUPPORT ↓05Money is stressing me out
Free financial counselling and support when bills, debt or financial pressure are affecting your wellbeing.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT ↓06I need support that understands my situation
Specialist support for young people, First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ communities, family violence and more.
SPECIALIST SUPPORT ↓MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
You don't have to wait until things are really bad.
If you're stressed, flat, anxious, overwhelmed or simply not feeling like yourself, there are free places to start.
Medicare Mental Health
Free mental health information and support for anyone in Australia.
You can use the website, call for help finding the right service, or walk into a Medicare Mental Health Centre. No referral or diagnosis is required.
Beyond Blue
Mental health information, counselling and support if you're feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed.
Medicare Mental Health Check In
Free evidence-based online support for Australians aged 16+ experiencing stress, worry, sleep problems or low mood.
Use the tools yourself or receive guided support from a trained mental health practitioner.
START ONLINE →MindSpot
Free online assessment, treatment courses and support for anxiety, depression and related mental health concerns.
VISIT MINDSPOT →WORRIED ABOUT SOMEONE AT WORK?
You don't need to fix them. You can help them take the next step.
Notice
Pay attention if someone seems unusually withdrawn, distressed, overwhelmed, angry, exhausted or simply very different from themselves.
Ask
Find a private moment and keep it simple: “You don't seem yourself lately. How are you going?”
Listen
Give them room to talk without immediately trying to solve, minimise or compare their experience.
Connect
Help them identify an appropriate support — a GP, counsellor, crisis service, EAP or one of the services on this page.
Caring about a coworker doesn't mean becoming responsible for their mental health. If the situation feels beyond what you can safely hold, involve professional support.
Learn Mental Health First Aid →WORKPLACE PROBLEMS
If something at work feels wrong, you have options.
Bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination aren't simply things hospitality workers have to put up with.
Depending on the situation, you may be able to seek help through a manager, HR, health and safety representative, union, Fair Work or another workplace body.
ALCOHOL + OTHER DRUGS
You don't have to decide whether it's “bad enough” before asking.
If drinking or drug use is worrying you, affecting work, relationships, sleep, money or how you feel, confidential support is available.
MONEY + FINANCIAL STRESS
Money problems can become mental health problems very quickly.
National Debt Helpline
1800 007 007Free financial counselling and practical help if you're struggling with debt, bills or financial hardship.
Get financial helpSPECIALIST SUPPORT
Sometimes who you speak to matters.
13YARN
13 92 7624/7 culturally safe crisis support from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters.
DOMESTIC, FAMILY + SEXUAL VIOLENCE1800RESPECT
1800 737 732National counselling, information and support, available 24/7.
LGBTQIA+QLife
1800 184 527Peer support and referral for LGBTQIA+ people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity or wellbeing.
AGES 12–25headspace
Mental health and wellbeing support for young people including centres and online services.
MENMensLine Australia
1300 78 99 78Telephone and online support for men around mental health, relationships and difficult situations.
EATING DISORDERS + BODY IMAGEButterfly
1800 33 4673Support for people affected by eating disorders and body image concerns.
FREE FROM HEALTHY MIND MENU
Keep exploring.
Hospo worker resources
Practical information and support created specifically for hospitality workers.
EXPLORE → 02Back of House, Front of Mind
Listen to honest conversations about mental health, leadership and life in hospitality.
LISTEN → 03Chef stories
Read lived-experience stories about culture, pressure, leadership, balance and staying in hospitality.
READ → 04Healthy Mind Pyramid
Explore practical foundations for sleep, nutrition, connection, movement and downtime.
LEARN MORE →ONE STEP IS ENOUGH TO START
You don't need to solve everything today.
Pick one person, one service or one conversation and start there.
Find free mental health supportREGISTERED CHARITY TICK
