Distress Brief Support (DBS) 

Distress Brief Support (DBS) is a free, short‑term service for adults (18+) who live or work in Port Lincoln and surrounding areas. We’re here for people who feel stressed, overwhelmed or are finding it hard to cope with what’s happening in their lives. Support is flexible and fits around each person’s needs.  

DBS is person‑centred, trauma‑informed and culturally safe, designed with input from people with lived experience of distress. DBS is part of a wider care approach for people who aren’t currently connected with other mental health services. DBS is not a crisis service.  

Support can happen in the community, at home, at our service, over the phone or via video chat. Whatever feels right for the person. 

We respond early and with compassion. We focus on connection and practical support. 

Our approach is guided by person-centred care, trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, flexible access, inclusion, collaboration and timely warm referrals. 

We value lived and living experience and promote people’s choice and agency. We aim to help people feel calmer, more connected and more confident in managing their wellbeing, in ways that suit them. 

We provide practical and emotional support that fits around each person’s needs.
Our support can include: 

• talking through what is causing distress 

• recognising strengths and strategies that worked for the person before 

• strengthening connections to family, friends, culture and community 

• linking to local services for housing, health, financial or social support 

• planning next steps for ongoing wellbeing 

We work alongside people and build on what is already working for them. 

DBS is free and available to people who: 

• are 18 years or over 

• live or work in Port Lincoln or surrounding areas 

• are experiencing distress and would benefit from short-term support 

No diagnosis is required to access support. 

We welcome referrals for people from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, refugees, and people who identify as sexually and gender diverse. 

We work in ways that are culturally safe, trauma-informed and inclusive of diverse identities and experiences. If language or accessibility support is needed, please let us know and we will work with you to make the connection feel right. 

• DBS provides non-clinical, short-term support and warm referrals. It is not an alternative to emergency or hospital care. 

• If a person is already connected with community services, we encourage coordination with their current supports.