Guides and resources

Help, Helplines & Independent Support

Finding the right place to ask for help shouldn't be difficult.

Henari has brought together trusted helplines, government services, advocacy organisations and community resources to help participants, families, carers and members of our community find support when they need it.

You do not need to be a Henari participant to use this page.

Henari does not operate the external services listed here. We provide these contacts as a convenient starting point so you can find independent information and support.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Help to make a call

Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)

  • National
  • 24/7

If you need an interpreter, TIS National can connect you with one, who can then call a service with you.

Phone
131 450
Availability
24 hours, 7 days
Visit TIS National (opens in a new tab)

National Relay Service (NRS)

  • National

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking, the NRS can help you contact any service on this page. Options include Auslan video relay, TTY, SMS relay, NRS Chat and NRS Captions.

Visit the National Relay Service (opens in a new tab)

Mental health and crisis support

If you're struggling, worried about someone, or just need to talk, these services can listen and help.

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Children and young people

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Domestic, family and sexual violence

If you are in danger right now, call 000. These services are confidential and can help you plan for your safety.

Women in North Queensland can also get free legal help from the North Queensland Women's Legal Service.

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Disability advocacy and independent support

A disability advocate is an independent person who can help you understand your rights and options, and speak up with you or for you.

Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion (QAI)

  • Queensland

Advocacy and human rights legal help for people with disability in Queensland, including NDIS appeals support and a program for young people.

Visit QAI (opens in a new tab)

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NDIS information, concerns and complaints

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

  • National

Raise a concern or make a complaint about an NDIS provider or worker, including Henari. Anyone can make a complaint about a provider.

Availability
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (Queensland time). Closed public holidays.
How to make a complaint (opens in a new tab)

Who does what

  • NDIA (the National Disability Insurance Agency) decides who can access the NDIS and what is funded in a plan.
  • NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission looks into concerns and complaints about NDIS providers and workers.
  • An independent advocate is on your side and can help you with either. See disability advocacy.

Henari is a support provider. We do not decide NDIS eligibility, funding, reviews or complaint outcomes.

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Carers and families

Families and carers can also contact Disability Advocacy Pathways or the Disability Gateway.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support

Yarn2Action

  • Queensland
  • Free

Free disability advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, and their carers or representatives, anywhere in Queensland.

Availability
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Visit Yarn2Action (opens in a new tab)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS)

  • Queensland

Criminal, family and civil law help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Queensland.

Free call
1800 012 255
Townsville office
07 4722 5111
Availability
During the day for all legal matters. After hours, the free call line is for custody notifications only.
Visit ATSILS (opens in a new tab)

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LGBTIQA+ support

QLife

  • National
  • Free

Anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people who want to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

Availability
3pm to 9pm, every day (phone and webchat)
Visit QLife (opens in a new tab)

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Housing and homelessness support

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Financial counselling

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Townsville and North Queensland

Local offices from the sections above, in one place. Select a name to see the full details.

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Independent support

Some organisations on this page are independent of Henari, the NDIA and other service providers.

You have the right to seek independent information, advocacy or help. You do not need Henari's permission to contact any of these services.

If you have a concern or complaint about an NDIS provider, including Henari, you can contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (opens in a new tab) on 1800 035 544. You can also ask an independent advocate to help you.

About this directory

Henari provides this directory for general information and convenience. Henari does not operate or control the external organisations listed on this page, and inclusion does not imply endorsement or a formal relationship.

Services, contact details and operating arrangements can change. Always check the linked organisation's official website for current information.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Looking for disability support in Townsville?

If you'd like information about Henari's disability support services, our team can help you understand what we provide and whether our services may suit your needs.