Get help

If you need help, we’ve got your back.

As Australia’s peak disability advocacy organisation, we understand the issues that affect people with disability in their day-to-day lives.

We support thousands of people with disability who are experiencing problems with access, housing, employment, safety, discrimination and more.

We do this through our individual advocacy service and by connecting people with disability and their families to the information, advice and referrals they need to make informed decisions.

Individual advocacy

Our individual advocates are trained specialists who work with people with disability to stand up for their rights and help sort out their complaints, issues or problems. Advocacy support can include going to meetings with or for the person, writing letters, making phone calls or supporting them lodge complaints. This service is for people in selected locations in NSW and Queensland. 

Read more about our individual advocacy service.

All the support we provide is free. For more information, access our Client Handbook here.

Note: Wayfinder Hub has been decommissioned. All the services provided via our Wayfinder Hub are still available using the forms on this page.

How to get help

To understand how we can best help you, we need to get some information about you as well as the issue you’re experiencing. You can do this in two ways:

• Phone: 1800 422 015 (toll-free) and speak to one of our intake officers
• Fill out our online Information request form here.

Once we have your information, we’ll then be able to provide the most appropriate assistance we can.

Who else can help

Disability Gateway

The Disability Gateway is a national disability information provider funded by the Australian Government that assists all people with disability, their families and carers to locate and access services across Australia. The Disability Gateway has up-to-date information about services and support for health, housing, employment, transport and everyday living.

• www.disabilitygateway.gov.au
• Disability Gateway Contact Us form
• 1800 643 787 | Monday – Friday | 8am – 8pm

Other support services

PWDA is not a crisis service. If you are in need of emergency assistance, call:

• 000 – Call Triple zero to connect with Fire, Police or Ambulance if someone is seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help, if life or property is being threatened, or if you just witnessed a serious accident or crime. This line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Lifeline or the Suicide Call Back Service – 13 11 14 – For all Australians experiencing emotional distress, with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

If you are looking for other specific support, please call:

• 1800 RESPECT – Sexual assault and domestic violence counselling service. Call 1800 737 732.
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 – Provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
• Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 – Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
• Mensline – 1300 78 99 78 – Offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationship, stress and wellbeing.
• Blue Knot – 1300 657 380 – If you or someone you care about is living with the effects of abuse, neglect, or violence.
• Q life – 1800 184 527 Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships (open 3pm to midnight, 7 days a week).
• Coronavirus Health Information – For information about COVID-19 and vaccines, contact your local state and territory health department.
• Health Direct – 1800 022 222 – Call this number to speak to a registered nurse about your health concerns. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• The National Redress Scheme – 1800 737 377. A service set up in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Ends | Contact us