Support Resources
Safety, Accessibility & Mental Health
UON Counselling
- View Website
- (02) 4921 6622
- 1300 653 007 (After Hours)
- 0488 884 165 (After Hours Text Chat)
The University’s Counselling service runs free online drop-in sessions every day of the week, as well as individual counselling, webinars, and offers an after-hours support line.
You can book an appointment online or via phone. The after-hours support line is available from 5pm-9am on weekdays and 24 hours during weekends and public holidays.

NSW Mental Health Line
- 1800 011 511 (Available 24 Hours)
If you or someone you know needs help, the Mental Health Line offers:
- Professional help & advice
- Referrals to local mental health services
It is staffed by mental health professionals who will ask questions to determine if you or, the person you are concerned about, needs ongoing mental health care and how urgently it is needed.
The Mental Health Line is available to everyone in NSW and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Lifeline
- View Website
- 131 114 (24 Hours)
- 0477 131 114 (Text Chat 6pm - Midnight)
- Online Crisis Chat (7pm - Midnight)
Lifeline is a non-profit organisation that provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support in Australia. Volunteer crisis supporters provide suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance, not only via telephone but face-to-face and online.
(Translation services available).

For students with a disability, UON AccessAbility can provide support whether your situation is permanent, fluctuating or temporary. They also offer support if you are the primary carer of someone with a disability or medical condition.

The Campus Care team is here to support a safe environment for everyone at the University of Newcastle.
If you are concerned about inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour from anyone at the university, Campus Care provides information, advice and support – particularly in complex and sensitive situations. A report to Campus Care may be made by students, staff or any members of the public.
(Please Note: Campus Care is not an emergency service. All emergencies should immediately be reported to Emergency Services on 000 or Security on (02) 4921 5888.

Learning & Study Support
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
- View Website
- (02) 4921 8600 (Business Hours)
- campuscare@newcastle.edu.au
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) provide a platform for you to compare notes, discuss difficult concepts and review weekly material with other students. Sessions are led by a trained PASS Leader who previously received excellent grades in your course.
It’s free, it’s proven to work, and it’s for everyone – you don’t even need to book ahead, just turn up!

Academic skills such as researching, independant study, writing, critical reading, problem solving and logical thinking are essential for university, which can be a new and challenging experience. Academic Learning Support are here to help with Study Skills, Writing Skills, Maths & Stats, as well as Research Writing for Postgraduate PhD and MPhil students.

The Careers Service can help you build a meaningful and rewarding career by providing advice on career planning, job hunting and job applications. They provide one-on-one support, and run a range of events and employability programs throughout the year such as Employment Expos, Career Connect, Uni Crew Volunteering, Jobs on Campus, and iLEAD.

Other Support
Chaplains at the University offer compassionate help in all situations and support the spiritual life of the university community – but you do not need to belong to a religious group to see a chaplain.
Chaplains are experienced, credentialed religious workers who are authorised by their faith tradition to provide support and guidance.

FnB Newcastle is an anarchist, secular, volunteer-run crew sharing free vegan food and other resources on Awabakal land in the spirit of solidarity and mutal aid. On Monday and Wednesday nighs 5pm-7pm they set up tables in Awaba park next to Hamilton train station where you can come and collect a free meal. All are welcome. (Please check their Facebook page for latest times and locations).
They also receive food drop-offs from OzHarvest at various times, and share these with those in need.
