Mental Health

Access tips to staying mentally healthy and links to service providers that can assist when you need help.

Maintaining good mental health

What is mental health?

“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.” World Health Organization

What is mental illness?

A mental illness is a health issue that may affect your thoughts, mood, or behaviour. A mental illness can result in distress and may affect how you manage everyday tasks, adapt to change, cope at work, and function in relationships.

Key facts

  • Almost half the population has experienced a mental health disorder at some time in their life.
  • Mental illnesses may be short in duration or last your whole life.
  • Each year, about 1 in every 5 Australians will experience a mental illness.
  • In the Town of Bassendean, 11% of the population reported having a long-term mental illness (including anxiety and depression). This rate is above the national rate of 8.8% (ABS Census 2021).

Looking after your mental health

There are many things you can do to look after your mental health and wellbeing:

  • Get good quality sleep.
  • Keep physically active.
  • Eat healthy meals.
  • Establish a good routine.
  • Talk about your emotions.
  • Enjoy your favourite activities i.e. gardening, listening to music.
  • Spend time with loved ones and friends.
  • Talk to your GP or a health professional.

 Act Belong Commit

Keeping mentally healthy is as easy as ABC: Act, Belong, Commit.

The Town of Bassendean is a partner in the Mentally Healthy WA Act Belong Commit campaign. Act Belong Commit is a community-based health promotion campaign encouraging people to take action to improve their mental health and wellbeing by being more mentally, physically and socially active, to join clubs and organisations, and help others.

The Town of Bassendean supports this campaign through:

  • Providing opportunities for people to be socially active (act).
  • Encouraging people to attend the Town’s events and activities and to participate in local sporting groups, organisations, and community groups (belong).
  • Encouraging residents to volunteer (e.g. through the Bassendean Volunteer Centre) and become involved in community events and environments (commit).

Bassendean Youth Services (Act)

Bassendean Youth Services aims to empower young people aged 12 to 25 to realise their potential by offering support services, recreational opportunities, and referrals to specialist agencies. Empowering young people to develop and enhance their skills, knowledge, understandings, and attitudes which are beneficial to themselves, as both individuals and as members of society can contribute positively towards mental health.

The Bassendean Youth Centre offers a supportive environment for young people to relax and socialise with plenty of free facilities available for use.

Opening hours
Tuesday to Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00pm during the school term
Tuesday to Friday 12 noon to 6.00pm during the school holidays.

Location
Corner of West and Guildford Roads, Bassendean.

Bassendean Memorial Library (Act)

Bassendean Memorial Library hosts a wide range of activities for children and adults. Visit the Library website to learn more. 

RElax Program (Belong)

The Towns RElax Program provides a great range of health and fitness courses, including:

  • Hatha Yoga 
  • Zumba
  • Metafit
  • Samba Drumming
  • Thursday Morning Yoga
  • Zumba Gold
  • Tai Chi for Health
  • African Drumming.

Learn more and register on the RElax Program webpage.

Community Directory (Belong)

The Town of Bassendean Community Directory provides information about local community groups and regular community activities.

Bassendean Volunteer Centre (Commit)

Are you considering volunteering? Volunteering is a great way to share your skills, passion, and make a difference in your community.

The Bassendean Volunteer Centre provides:

  • A referral service to people interested in opportunities to volunteer.
  • Promotion of volunteering opportunities and the benefits of volunteering.
  • Training and information sharing opportunities for community organisations.
  • Support for community groups to recruit, manage and retain volunteers.

Opening hours
9 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday

Location
50 Old Perth Road, Bassendean

Resources to support mental health

Mental Health Emergency Response Line
1300 555 788
A 24-hour telephone service for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

Lifeline
13 11 14
Offers 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Lifeline Crisis Text Service
Text: 0477 13 11 14
Offers confidential one-to-one text conversations with a trained Lifeline Crisis Supporter.

Beyond Blue
1300 224 636
Offers free counselling services and support.

Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
Offers 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.

The Samaritans Crisis Line 
9381 5555 (main line)
9377 2500 (youth line)
Provides emotional support.

Men's Line Australia
1300 789 978
Provides support for men with family and relationship concerns.

QLife
1800 184 527
Provides support to LGBTIQ+ people and their loved ones from 3 pm to midnight. 

Butterfly Foundation
1800 334 673
Provides support for eating disorders and body image issues from 8 am to midnight (AEST). 

Child Protection and Family Support Crisis Care Helpline
9223 1111
Provides Western Australia’s after-hours response to reported concerns for a child’s safety and wellbeing and information and referrals for people experiencing crisis.

Support for carers

CarersWA
1300 227 377: general line operating Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
1800 007 332: counselling line operating Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Carer Gateway 
1800 422 737
Offers support and services for carers, Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Support for children and youth 

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Crisis Connect
1800 048 636
A 24-hour mental health support service for children and young people.

headspace 
1800 650 890
Support for 12 to 25 year olds and their family and friends. Operates seven days a week from 9 am to 1 am (AEST).

Kids Helpline
Free, confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 and their parents.
1800 551 800 (5 to 25 year olds)
1800 654 432 (parents)

Youthbeyondblue 
1300 224 636 (12 to 25 year olds)
Free, confidential counselling (local call costs apply) available 24/7.