NAS Counselling

NAS Counsellor

Miranda Fagan

+61 2 9339 8722
[email protected]

Miranda has a background in history and studies of religion. After completing her Bachelor of Arts she studied counselling to further her passion for helping others navigate mental health, substance use, and social concerns.

She has experience working with range of issues including: anxiety and depression, substance misuse and dependency, managing relationships, self-esteem and confidence issues, healing adverse developmental experiences and trauma, and LGBTQIA, cultural, and disability issues.

She utilises a trauma-informed, culturally inclusive approach.

The role of the Counsellor is to contribute to the development of the School’s students and to support their successful study.

The counsellor can provide assistance with the following areas: study skills including exam anxiety and time management, stress management – balancing study, work and other commitments, family and relationship concerns, health matters – lifestyle and vocational goals.

The counsellor can also provide referrals and information about services if needed.

We have collated an extensive list of support services and websites here. 

If a referral is necessary the Counsellor has information about relevant community resources and government agencies.

The service is free and confidential.

CONTACT TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Crisis Services

In an emergency call 000 for access to police, ambulance or fire services

NAS Contacts

Heads of Departments and teachers

If you are experiencing any difficulty in meeting course requirements, contact your teacher directly for a chat.

Student Services

Located at the NAS entrance, Forbes Street. The office staff are able to assist you with questions regarding admission, progression, withdrawals, fees, student cards, scholarships, exhibitions etc.

9339 8613 or 9339 8651 or  [email protected]

Student Wellbeing

Our Student Wellbeing Officer is based in Student Services, on the Forbes Street entrance. The Student Wellbeing Officer is a key point of contact for general welfare, wellbeing and academic enquiries. Students can drop into Student Services to see the Wellbeing Officer, or you may contact them to make an appointment to discuss any issues.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 02 9339 8614

NAS Security

0434 565 275 – speak to security about any safety concerns on campus.

Counselling Service

Building 14. Call or email Miranda for counselling, support and referral regarding any issue that is impacting on you personally or academically.

9339 8722 or [email protected]

Literacy Officer

Molly Duggins provides One-on-one essay, assignment and exegesis writing. Consultations are available to help with any issues you might have with your academic English or writing. Learn how to apply academic style, conduct research, answer essay questions, construct an argument, structure your essay, combine academic and reflective analysis in your exegesis, and much more. All students welcome – 1st year through to the DFA.

To make an appointment contact Molly: https://nationalartschool.simplybook.me/

Grievance Officer

Lorraine Kypiotis is the NAS Grievance Officer. Please contact Lorraine with any concerns.

9339 8738 or [email protected]

Financial / Housing Support and Advocacy

Centrelink

Contact centrelink to determine your eligibility for Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY or Relocation Scholarships.

132 490 / Abstudy: 1800 132 317

Link2Home Crisis Accommodation

A statewide telephone service providing information, assessment and referral to specialist homelessness services, temporary accommodation and other appropriate services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

1800 152 152

http://www.sydneyhomelessconnect.com/services/link2home/

B Miles Women’s Foundation

A specialist homelessness service.

1800 274 984

https://www.bmiles.org.au/

Metro Assist

Providing a range of services including migrant settlement, family support and early intervention, emergency relief, tenancy services and community development.

9789 3744

https://metroassist.org.au/

Money Care (The Salvation Army)

A free and confidential financial counselling service for those in financial difficulty.

8218 1241

https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/our-services/moneycare/

International Student Support

NSW International Student Support

Service NSW and StudyNSW are committed to helping international students have a safe and rewarding experience. We want living and studying in Sydney and NSW to be a memorable time for all international students.

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/guide/support-international-students

Youth Services: Counselling, advocacy, support and charities

Headspace/E Headspace

eheadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends. If you’re based in Australia and going through a tough time, eheadspace can help.

https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/

Launchpad Youth Community

Support for young people to age 24 with a range of services including housing issues, finances, things at home, advice and information about education/employment, and coaching you towards achieving your personal goals and aspirations.

9557 2810

https://launchpadyouth.org.au/

Youthblock

Youthblock provides free, safe and confidential support, counselling and health services for young people aged 12-24.

https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/communityhealth/YouthHealth/services.html

City of Sydney Community Services

The community services directory is a comprehensive listing of local emergency services, government agencies, public facilities, not-for-profit organisations and many other groups. Parents, caregivers, residents, visitors and anyone with an interest in the local area can access the site for free, which also features contact details and further information about organisations and services across Sydney.

https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services

Users can search by suburb or organisation category
http://www.datadiction.com.au/bin/dd.dll/Lincs?xps&MBR=SYD

A wide variety of groups are included in the directory, including those working in accommodation and aged care, conservation and the environment, sport and recreation as well as volunteering and youth services.

The directory is part of LINCS (Local Information Network for Community Services), which is an online partnership of more than 30 local councils, including the City of Sydney, NSW Government departments and community organisations.

Mission Australia 

https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/

St John’s Anglican Community Services

https://stjohnsanglican.org.au/whats-on/community/

Lou’s Place

https://www.lousplace.com.au/

Rough Edges

https://www.roughedges.org/

General Counselling and Support

Contact Your GP

Contact your local GP in the first instance for any issues you are dealing with.

Mindspot Clinic

We are Australia’s only free therapist-guided digital mental health clinic.

1800 61 44 34

https://mindspot.org.au/

PsychEngage

Find a psychologist service.

https://www.psychology.org.au/Find-a-Psychologist/Connect-Psychologist

Lifeline

Call: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue

Call: 1300 22 4636

MensLine Australia

Call: 1300 78 99 78

Kids Helpline

Call: 1800 55 1800

Psychological Support Services

Butterfly Foundation

Online and phone counselling, information and support groups for people concerned about eating disorders, disordered eating and body image problems.

1800 334 673

https://butterfly.org.au/

Transcultural Mental Health Centre, NSW

The Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TMHC) works with health professionals and communities across New South Wales to support positive mental health for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

https://www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/transcultural-mental-health-centre

The Blackdog Institute 

https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/clinicalresources/wellness/general-wellbeing

Mental Health Services

St Vincent’s Hospital Acute Care Team

https://www.svhs.org.au/our-services/list-of-services/mental-health

Mental Health Line

​If you or someone you know needs help, the Mental Health Line offers:

  • professional help and 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.

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/Pages/Mental-Health-Line.aspx

DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELLING, SUPPORT AND REFERRAL

Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS) NSW

Whether you are having issues with alcohol or other drugs, are concerned about someone else’s alcohol or other drug use, or just have general questions about alcohol or other drugs, you can call ADIS any time of the day or week for support, information, counselling and referral to services in NSW. ADIS Web Chat is also available from Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5pm (including public holidays).

1800 250 015

https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/adis.aspx

Stimulant Treatment Line / Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Sydney

24 hour helpline for assistance with problematic alcohol use. 1300 222 222. Most meetings are now being held online (due to Covid-19).

To access meetings, go to: https://aa.org.au/contact-aa/

Family Drug Support

(FDS) is a caring, non-religious organisation which provides non-judgmental, non-directive support and information for families and friends of drug and/or alcohol users across Australia.

1300 368 186

https://www.fds.org.au/

DanceWize NSW

DanceWize NSW exists to advance and support the health and dignity of festival goers in NSW.

https://www.dancewizensw.org.au/

National Alcohol and other Drugs Hotline

Call: 1800 250 015

Domestic Violence and Assault Support

NSW Rape Crisis Centre

Our organisation supports people affected by sexual, domestic or family violence. We believe every person deserves to be listened to and supported in their recovery.  Our expert counsellors are all trauma specialists. This means they understand the impacts of violence. They can work with each person in the way that suits them best. Our counsellors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by telephone or online. We also provide face to face counselling at some Women’s Health Centres in NSW.

https://www.rape-dvservices.org.au/

1800 Respect, Domestic Violence Support

National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling and information referral service, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

1800 737 732

https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Domestic Violence Line NSW

Providing counselling and referrals to women experiencing domestic and family violence. If you are hearing impaired, call the National Relay Service on 133 677.

1800 656 463 (interpreters are available)

https://www.dss.gov.au/women/help-is-here-campaign

LGBTQIA+ SERVICES

Qlife

Free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral for all ages. 3pm-midnight. Provides nationwide telephone and web-based services to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people of all ages.

1800 184 527.

https://qlife.org.au/

Twenty10

Telephone support, advocacy and referrals for LGBTQIA+ community.

1800 184 527

https://www.twenty10.org.au

HEALTH INFORMATION AND SERVICES

Health Direct Australia

1800 022 222

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

East Sydney Doctors

102 Burton Street, Darlinghurst

9332 2531

https://www.eastsydneydoctors.com.au/

St Vincent’s Hospital

390 Victoria Street Darlinghurst. A public hospital located close to the NAS campus. It includes and emergency department and a mental health ward.

8382 1111

https://www.svhs.org.au/

Aboriginal Medical Service

AMS Redfern offers a range of medical services for eligible Aboriginal patients including a general medical clinic staffed with General Practitioners (GP’s), nursing staff and Aboriginal Health Workers, medical specialist services (for existing patients), allied health, mental health, drug and alcohol, public health and a dental clinic. 36 Turner Street Redfern.

9319 5823

https://amsredfern.org.au/

Covid-19 Health Information and Support

Coronavirus National Helpline

1800 020 080

Symptom Checker

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/healthdirect-coronavirus-covid-19-symptom-checker

Beyond Blue Covid Virus Wellbeing Support Line

No matter how the pandemic is affecting you, they are here to help.

1800 512 348

Chat online: https://cmwssonline.beyondblue.org.au

Head to Health: COVID-19 support

headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support

Advocacy Services

Aboriginal Legal Service

Providing legal services to Aboriginal people since 1970.

1800 765 767

https://www.alsnswact.org.au/

Disability Advocacy and Referral NSW

DA NSW provides non legal advocacy service to people with a disability

1300 365 085

https://da.org.au

The Shopfront Youth Legal Service

This service provides free legal assistance for homeless and disadvantaged young people aged 25 and under.

9322 4808

https://www.theshopfront.org/

NAS Student Representative Council (SRC) 

NAS student representative council (SRC) is the student voice in NAS to promote a rich, thriving student experience for all students.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nasstudentrep

Email: [email protected]. The

National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) 

Advocacy policy and action for an Australian arts sector that’s ambitious and fair.

9368 1900: phone between 2-4pm Monday to Wednesday

https://visualarts.net.au/about/

Welfare Rights Centre

Assistance with legal advice and assistance should you experience any problems with Centrelink

02 9211 5300: Monday-Wednesday 9.30am-12.30pm

https://welfarerightscentre.org.au/

WELLBEING AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Acupuncture Collective

Acupuncture should be for everyone – Sessions are just $25. We offer acupuncture in a relaxed, comfortable and spacious group setting. This allows us to provide cost-effective individual treatments, while seeing multiple patients per hour.

https://acupuncturecollective.com.au/

City Gym

https://www.citygym.com.au/

Community Gardens

cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

ARTS INDUSTRY RELATED INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES

NAVA Industry Advisory Note: COVID-19 Response

This Industry Advisory Note is intended for NAVA Members and our colleagues in the contemporary arts sector across Australia. This document is not offered as health advice nor health emergency management advice. As circumstances change, this advice may change.

https://visualarts.net.au/advocacy/campaigns/industry-advisory-note-covid-19-response/

Business Connect | Free Mentoring and Advice for Creative Freelancers and Organisations

The state government has a funded program called Business Connect that provides 4 hours of free mentoring and advice to creative freelancers and arts organisations at no cost. It also provides free and subsidised training online for all aspects of creative business.

You can find creative industry specialists by heading to the website and clicking FIND AN ADVISOR then searching in the DIGITAL, CREATIVE etc section for a specialists advisor to help you. The advisors are ready to provide you with whatever professional business advice you need in this difficult time.

https://business-connect-register.industry.nsw.gov.au/Pages/FindAdvisorSpecialist.html

Art Guide Australia gallery closures and online databases

https://artguide.com.au/covid-19

ArtsHub 6 Anti-Tips for Working from Home in COVID-19

https://www.artshub.com.au/news-article/career-advice/covid-19/mel-campbell/6-anti-tips-for-working-from-home-in-covid-19-260072?_ga=2.141472050.141699183.1585616202-1238323943.1584319795

THIS WAY UP

https://thiswayup.org.au/how-we-can-help/courses/

THIS WAY UP is part of the Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD). CRUfAD is a joint facility of St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of New South Wales established to reduce the impact of anxiety and depressive disorders on individuals.

MENTAL HEALTH APPS

Reachout.com lists the following health and wellbeing tools and apps, which are professionally reviewed: https://au.reachout.com/tools-and-apps

Calm Harm: provides tasks that help you resist or manage your urge to self harm. Private and password protected.

Headspace: meditation made simple.

The Check In: for anyone who wants to check in with a friend but is concerned about saying the wrong thing of making the situation worse.

Breakup Shapeup: ideas to help you cope after a breakup.

Daylio: a diary app that allows for goal setting and mood tracking.

eMoods Bipolar Mood Tracker: uses a wellbeing tracker centred around mood weight and sleep to track manic and depressive episodes.

I am Sober: support to quit any activity or substance.

Pause: an interactive app that can help you regain focus and release stress.

Self Help for Anxiety Management: offers a range of self help methods to help you manage anxiety.

Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock: a natural way to wake up feeling relaxed and rested. It is n intelligent alarm clock that analyzes your sleep and wakes you in the lightest sleep phase.

Stop, Breath & Think: a mindfulness app to increase your sense of compassion and calm.

SuperBetter: a tool created by game designers to help you build resilience and get stronger, happier and healthier.

101 Revolutionary Ways to be Healthy: Practical skills and information to help you make healthier choices and form positive attitudes.

Anxiety Reliever: Relax, overcome anxiety and stress and fall asleep faster with the help of anxiety reliever.

Couch to 5K: a fitness program to help you move from the couch to the 5km finish line in nine weeks.

LoveSmart: provides you with scores and information on the health of your relationships.

Rootd– panic and anxiety relief: CBT Therapy to overcome panic and anxiety attacks.

Moodkit: designed to improve your mood and overall wellbeing.

My Study Life: a cross-platform planner for students, teachers and lecturers designed to make your study life easier to manage. Allows you to store your classes, homework and exams in the cloud.

Beat Panic: Helps you to cope with panic attacks or anxiety.

ReachOut Breathe: helps you reduce the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety by slowing down your breathing and your heart rate with your iphone.

SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES

24/7 crisis support:

Beyond Blue

Call: 1300 224 636

Lifeline

Call: 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service

Call: 1300 659 467

StandBy Support After Suicide

Call: 1300 727 247

Non-crisis call-back phone support

SP Peer CARE Connect warm line

Call: 1800 77 7337

FIRST NATIONS SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING SUPPORT

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/

Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Services

sewbmh.org.au

MULTICULTURAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Embrace Multicultural Mental Health

embracementalhealth.org.au

Transcultural Mental Health Centre

dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/tmhc

Translating and Interpreting Service

tisnational.gov.au

#Follow us on Instagram
Putting together a strong portfolio is one of the most important parts of your application to the National Art School.  At the Portfolio Review, NAS lecturers will offer helpful advice to guide you through your portfolio preparation, plus provide personal feedback on your portfolio.  Monday 18 November, 11.00am - 12.30pm, Cell Block Theatre.  RSVP at the link in bio.
We’re looking for a new Digital Marketing Specialist. Application deadline Sunday 24 November. Apply now! 
The Digital Marketing Specialist plays an important role in coordinating the marketing and communication activities that drive degree recruitment, short course attendance, public program participation, exhibition promotion, brand positioning and alumni engagement. 
Visit the link in bio to learn more.
Thank you to everyone who attended The Postgrad Show Opening Night!
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The Postgrad Show is on until 17 November at NAS Galleries.
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Learn more about the artists and view available works at the link in bio.
Launching the National Art School Short Courses Program for January to June 2025.  Our 2025 program kicks off in January with Summer School Weeks One and Two, followed by Term One in February, and Term Two in April, and the Autumn and Masterclass Weekend Workshops in May and June, respectively.  Enrol in a short course to experience the National Art School’s unique studio-based learning environment and our hands-on approach to teaching.  Visit the link in bio to learn more.
The Postgrad Show is now open! 
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Celebrate the future of contemporary art, 8–17 November. 
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Learn more about the exhibition at the link in bio. 
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Thank you to current NAS BFA student @harrison_chao for the music
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