Helplines Australia is recognised as the main source of specialist information relating to the setting up and running of non-profit helplines in Australia. We hold information on over 500 services across the nation.

We are the lead provider of advice, consultancy, advocacy and training on matters relating to the provision of quality helpline services for the voluntary and statutory sectors. 

Our members include most of the national helpline services such as Kids Helpline, Lifeline and Quitline as well as many local and regional services. Between our members we estimate handling over 4 million calls per year.

Helplines Australia’s  “Guide to Best Practice” is the only quality system guidelines specifically designed for use by non-profit telephone helplines in Australia.
 
Latest Information

		Hoax Call Warning. Many helplines get some hoax class. It is also probably true to say that hoaxers themselves are people who need help. Some helplines will treat every hoax call as a genuine call. Howeevr, hoax calls tie up the line, preventing other callers from accessing the help they need. Staff and volunteers can become exhausted and demoralised and hoax calls can contribute to a high staff turnover. Most helplines do not have the resources to cope with large number of hoax calls, so may choose to take more proactive action. There are techniques you can use to reduce the impact on your service. Misuse of communications for mailicious reasons, and attempts to block a service by flodding it with communications, are against the law, so in extreme cases it is possible to work with police and your telephone service provider to trace the caller.
		Hotline for the elderlyElderly people who suffer abuse now have a phone helpline launched by the Victorian State Government. The Seniors Rights Victoria hotline would provide support and advice to older people suffering abuse, Senior Victorians Minister Lisa Neville said. The hotline operating from the 28 April 2008 is 1300 386 821.
		National Patient Charter of Rights The Safety and Quality Commission is developing a Draft National Patient Charter of Rights (the Chater) including a statement of patient rights and supporting priciples document. For a copy of Draft Charter see: Draft Charter

Surge in Calls to Cancer Helpline News of Jane McGrath's death has led to a surge today in the number of calls to the Cancer Council's helpline. Cancer Council Tasmania's CEO Lawson Ride said. “The news of Jane McGrath's tragic death ... has led to a surge in inquiries to the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20”