How We Can Help
At the Sunlight Centre, we provide a range of services to people who are experiencing thoughts on suicide and those who engage in self-harm.
All of our services are provided free of charge, clients do not need a mental health plan and no professional referral is needed. To learn more about what services we offer, please choose one of the options below.
You are not alone.
Under 18's
Counselling
At the Sunlight Centre we create a warm, safe and comfortable environment to support under 18s who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts and/or self-harm behaviour.
A parent or guardian needs to contact the Centre when the young person is ready to engage, to arrange an intake session.
Adult Counselling
At the Sunlight Centre we create a warm, safe and comfortable environment to support any over 18 person who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts and/or self-harm behaviour.
Reach out today to arrange an intake session.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, call 000.
If you are experiencing emotional distress and need immediate support please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
The Sunlight Centre provides up to 15 free, face-to-face counselling sessions to those experiencing suicidal thoughts. Counselling is offered at our Centre in Morningside, QLD 4170.
We understand this is a big step for anyone on their journey to recovery, and our dedicated staff and volunteers are there to support those accessing our services.
Step 1: Call us.
If you don’t feel you can manage this alone, ask someone close to you to help you by being there with you when you make the call.
Step 2: One of our staff members will call you back and ask you some questions to make sure we are the right service for you.
You will always be treated with dignity and respect.
Step 3: Provide the phone contact details of a support person to ensure we have an emergency contact.
Step 4: Following the call, we’ll arrange for one of our therapists to start your therapy with you. You’ll see them as soon as possible.
Important things to know
- Appointments are usually 50 minutes and are always free of charge.
- Clients do not need a referral or a mental health plan or any form of insurance or medicare.
- If clients are able to Donate, they can do so via our Donate Page.
Understanding self-harm
Suicidal thoughts
Many people experience thoughts about not wanting to be here anymore or wishing they could escape the pain they are feeling. These thoughts can appear during periods of intense stress, grief, loneliness, or when life feels overwhelming.
Having suicidal thoughts does not mean you are weak or broken, it usually means you are carrying more pain than you have been able to process or share. You are not alone in experiencing this, and with the right support, those thoughts can become easier to understand and manage.
Self-harm
Self-harm (or non-suicidal self-injury) is often misunderstood. For many people it is not about wanting to die, but about trying to cope with emotional pain that feels too intense to manage in other ways. It can become a way of releasing pressure, expressing feelings that are difficult to put into words, or regaining a sense of control when everything feels overwhelming.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with self-harm, it is important to know that many others experience this too, and support can help people find safer ways to cope with what they are feeling.
To learn more for you, your community group or workforce, go to our Training Page
Resources
Online Resources
- Sunlight Centre online Resources
- Mental Health Articles
- External Organisations
Community Workshops
The Sunlight Centre runs community mental health workshops and programs from our Centre in Morningside that anyone in the community can join.
These sessions focus on building practical skills that support everyday mental wellbeing, including self-awareness, emotional regulation, emotional intelligence, parenting, and conflict resolution. Click the link below to view our upcoming training calendar and find a workshop that suits you.