A day on the beach connecting with nature is a great way to help improve mental health. But for volunteer surf lifesavers it can also be stressful and may impact on our mental wellbeing. That’s why there are a range of initiatives to support the mental health of Tamarama SLSC clubbies.
Firstly, all Surf Life Saving NSW members have access to a member assistance program that is free, confidential and available 24/7/365. Appointments can be virtual or in person and this season it is even easier to access with no referral necessary. Members can also access the Member Protection and Child Safe Resources on the SLSNSW website, listed below.
Another option is the National Emergency Worker Support Service (NEWSS) which is a support service run by the Black Dog Institute for emergency workers and first responder volunteers. Surf Lifesaving members can access mental health resources, book in to see a psychologist or take a quick and easy mental health check-up.
A full list of available resources can be found below. If you are already a member at Tamarama SLSC, the door is always open for you to contact our Member Wellbeing Officers, with any questions. They are always up for a coffee and chat.
If you are thinking of joining, please do so knowing that we offer a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for our members.
SLSNSW Member Protection and Child Safe Website Resources:
- Member Protection in Surf Life Saving
- SLSA Policy 6.05 – Member Protection (Code of Conduct Extracted)
- Child Safety
- SLSA Policy 6.04 & 6.04A – Child Safe
- Member Protection and Complaints
Other Member Wellbeing Resources:
Seeing a Doctor
We all experience challenging emotional issues at different times. We can’t always deal with these on our own. If you feel you need help and it’s not an emergency, it’s best to see your doctor.
When you see your doctor, they’ll assess what help you need. This could include:
- doing a mental health assessment
- creating a mental health treatment plan, if required
- referring you to a psychiatrist or other eligible mental health professional such as a clinical or registered psychologist, occupational therapist or social worker
- giving you a prescription for medicines to treat depression or anxiety, if required.
Your doctor might ask you some personal questions to understand your situation. Sometimes it can be hard to talk to others about your mental health. Find tips for talking to your doctor about mental health on the healthdirect website.
Find out about the different types of mental health professionals and find a health service on the healthdirect website.
Mental health treatment plans
If you have a diagnosed mental health disorder, your doctor can create a plan to treat it.
Your mental health treatment plan will have goals agreed by you and your doctor. It’ll also have:
- treatment options
- arrangements for referrals
- support services available
- review and follow-up.
Keep in mind your health information and treatment plan will be private. Doctors can’t share your information unless you agree to it.
More information can be found here.
Beyond Blue
- Description: Counselling and mental health support, with resources for suicide bereavement.
- Inclusive: Affirming of LGBTQ+ people.
- Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au
- Phone: 1300 22 4636
Lifeline
- Description: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
- Specialised Programs: Offers training for communities and workplaces after suicide.
- Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au
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Phone: 13 11 14
QLife
- Description: National anonymous peer-support and referral service for LGBTQ+ people.
- Services: Chat and phone support every day from 3pm to midnight.
- Website: https://qlife.org.au
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Phone: 1800 184 527
Black Dog Institute – Aboriginal & LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Resources
- Description: Research-backed programs including suicide postvention for specific communities.
- Website: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Roses in the Ocean
- Description: Peer-led organisation supporting people with lived experience of suicide.
- Offers: Postvention services, storytelling, and peer-support training.
- Website: https://rosesintheocean.com.au
ACON mental health service
- Description: ACON’s digital suicide prevention hub, connecting the LGBTQ+ community, their loved ones, and service providers to care, support, and resources.
- Website: https://here.org.au/
Kaleido Health
Kaleido Health is a specialised LGBTQ+ health service that provides integrated and multi-disciplinary care for sexuality and gender diverse people in NSW. Kaleido Health delivers inclusive, person-centred, integrated health care in a dedicated, community space – operated by community, for community.
- Counselling – Therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, gender affirmation, relationship issues, and more.
- GP Support – Initial assessments, mental health treatment plans, medication management, and referrals.
- Peer Support – Free, non-clinical psychosocial support from trained peers with lived experience.
- Care Coordination – Free, limited support for clients with additional needs, including referrals and service navigation.
- External Referrals – Warm referrals to LGBTQ+ inclusive services for specialised support, such as suicide prevention peer support, HIV counselling, and gender-based violence services.
- Telehealth and in-person options available.