To access our service, you must contact us or make a referral to start an intake process. The intake is where we take your details and understand your issue.
Note: we are a short-term, issued-based advocacy service.
During the intake process, we ask about your issue and what you would like an advocate to assist you with.
Intakes are assessed weekly.
If we cannot help, we will suggest what other options you have and help with referrals.
Priority for service
At Advocacy for Inclusion, we are committed to providing advocacy services to people with disabilities in the ACT. Due to limited resources, we must prioritise clients based on the urgency of their situation. This ensures that those facing immediate and critical risks receive the support they need as quickly as possible.
Please note: Advocacy for Inclusion is not a crisis service. If you or the person you are referring to us is in immediate danger, we encourage you to contact emergency services or a dedicated crisis service.
When assessing referrals, we consider several factors to determine the level of need and prioritise accordingly. These factors include, but are not limited to:
- Immediate Safety Concerns: The individual is in immediate danger due to abuse, neglect, or violence.
- Risk of Losing Housing: The individual is at imminent risk of eviction or homelessness.
- Social Isolation: The individual has no support from family, friends, or other networks, leading to isolation.
- Barriers to Essential Services: The individual faces significant obstacles in accessing essential services such as healthcare, NDIS support, or education.
- Lack of Self-Advocacy Ability: The individual is unable to understand their rights or effectively advocate for themselves.
- Fear of Speaking Up: The individual is afraid or unable to raise concerns about their situation.
- Urgent Legal or Government Deadlines: The individual has a time-sensitive legal issue or government deadline that requires immediate attention.
Response Times
Our goal is to respond to referrals within 5-7 business days. However, we will prioritize individuals with critical and high-priority needs and may reach out to them sooner.
For those not in immediate crisis but in need of advocacy support, our team will work to provide assistance as promptly as possible based on available resources. We encourage you to complete our intake form, which will help us assess your situation and determine how we can best support you.
If your situation is urgent, or if you are unsure whether our services are suitable for you, please call us at (02) 6257 4005 for more information.
Crisis Support Contacts:
- Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance):
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. - ACT Policing:
For non-urgent police matters, call 131 444.
To report a crime anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. - Lifeline Australia:
Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or needing help with suicide prevention.
Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.
Visit their website for chat services: Lifeline.org.au - Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) (ACT):
This 24-hour mental health service provides crisis support and assessment for those experiencing a mental health emergency.
Call 1800 629 354 or 02 6205 1065. - Suicide Call Back Service:
Offers free nationwide professional phone and online counselling for people affected by suicide.
Call 1300 659 467 or visit suicidecallbackservice.org.au. - Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline:
A free, confidential service for reporting abuse or neglect of people with disabilities.
Call 1800 880 052 or email hotline@workfocus.com. - Kids Helpline:
Free and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Call 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au. - Beyond Blue:
For support with anxiety, depression, and mental health concerns, contact Beyond Blue 24/7 for free counselling.
Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online at beyondblue.org.au.