Connecting People to Support
The Fraser Coast Mental Health Hub was created to address a critical gap: many people in our region didn’t know what mental health services were available, how to access them, or where to turn when they needed support.
Through extensive community consultation and collaboration with local health services, we’ve built a comprehensive, accessible directory that brings together counseling services, support groups, crisis resources, and educational content—all in one place.
Our goal is simple: to ensure that no one on the Fraser Coast struggles alone because they didn’t know where to find help.
Our Project Partners
Providing clinical expertise and mental health service coordination across the Fraser Coast region.
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our community by helping people feel connected, supported and empowered at every stage of life.
a community group developed by concerned residents of the Fraser Coast Region to assist in addressing the issue of suicide in the Fraser Coast Region.
Offering free mental health, psychosocial, alcohol and other drugs, early intervention, and suicide prevention services
StandBy is Australia’s leading suicide postvention program dedicated to assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide.
Aims to spread awareness of mental wellness with the goal preventing suicide across the Fraser Coast community.
How People Search for Mental Health Support — and Why This Platform Exists
When people begin looking for mental health support, the first place they often turn is the internet. Our research found that most people do not search for a specific service name. Instead, they use broad, uncertain searches such as “mental health help near me,” “counselling Hervey Bay,” or “who can help with anxiety.”
Built With the Community
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What We Heard
- "I didn't know what services existed in my area"
- "It was too hard to find information about costs and wait times"
- "I wanted to know about support groups but didn't know where to look"
- "Crisis resources need to be easier to find"
How We Responded
- Comprehensive, searchable directory of all local mental health services
- Direct connection to the support service or organisation
- Dedicated support group listings and community connection resources
- Always-visible emergency help button and crisis support wizard
Acknowledgements
Traditional Custodians
We acknowledge the Butchulla people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
Community Contributors
This project would not be possible without the generous contributions of mental health professionals, lived experience advocates, community organisations, and individuals who shared their stories and insights.
Funding Support
This initiative is made possible by the support and Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and Social Shift. We would also like to acknowledge the important role Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre plays in the care of our community.
Lived Experience Voices
We are deeply grateful to the individuals and families who shared their experiences navigating the mental health system, helping us understand what works and what needs improvement.
