Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about opencare.help.

What is opencare.help?

opencare.help is a free website to help people find free and low-cost help near them, and to help each other. It starts in Australia.

What kind of help can I find?

You can find free and low-cost help services such as food and meals, housing and shelter, mental health and counselling, health clinics, disability support and community centres. There are more than 5,800 services listed, added state by state.

Is opencare.help free?

Yes. It is free to use and you do not need an account.

What should I do in an emergency?

In an emergency call 000. opencare.help cannot respond to emergencies. For someone to talk to now, see the crisis lines page.

What is the quick exit button?

Quick exit lets you leave the site fast if you need to keep your browsing private.

Where does the service information come from?

Listings come from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and the ACNC Register of Australian charities (CC BY 3.0 AU). Crisis numbers are checked on each service's official website.

Can local groups post events or volunteer roles?

Yes. Local groups and charities can list events, volunteer roles and needs. New posts are checked against our moderation rules.

Is the information professional advice?

No. Listings are information only, not an endorsement, and not professional, medical, legal or financial advice. Please check details with the service before you go.

How do I report wrong information?

Use the Contact page or the Report link on a listing to tell us.