Safety & Wellbeing

Useful Resources & Support Services

Moving to a foreign country can be daunting but we have put together a list of resources to help make your transition as safe as possible. Below, we've outlined some advice relating to:

Community Services
Mental Health Services
How to Protect Yourself From Scams
Staying Safe on a Night Out

Community Services

Multicultural Services Centre of WA provides diverse community services and programs for people of culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds.

Mental Health Services

StudyPerth has partnered with Multicultural Services Centre of WA (MSCWA) to offer free counselling in various languages. Email MSCWA to arrange an appointment or speak to our friendly Customer Service Officer in our Student Hub for assistance with booking.
Headspace  offers support to young people to reduce the impact of depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug use, and to improve relationship issues associated with sexuality, sexual health, families, and bullying. 
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support.
Black Dog Institute provides information and a series of online self-help tools and apps suitable for any device.
Butterfly Foundation provides a range of services from information to treatment programs for eating disorders and body image issues.
QLife is Australia’s first nationally oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people and provides early intervention, peer-supported telephone and web-based services.  
Department of Health WA for advice and support on understanding about sexual health topics, and the health care system in WA. 
Talk to your GP to find out if you qualify for a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

How to Protect Yourself from Scams

Studying in Perth is an incredible experience, but it's crucial to stay alert and protect yourself from scams. With the global rise in online scammers, Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake has urged the public to be suspicious of job opportunities offered by unknown people on social media, message platforms or email.

We've got your back with some practical tips to help you stay safe and scam-free.

Be Sceptical of Unsolicited Communication

Scammers often pretend to be government officials, universities, or trusted organisations. Check things like the logo and email address as often they are slightly incorrect and do not align with the genuine organisation.
Keep Personal Information Confidential

Be cautious about sharing your bank account details, passport number and never give out your passwords, or your TFN (Tax File Number). Legitimate organisations will have secure channels for such requests, so double-check the authenticity before providing any personal data.
Verify Before You Pay

Whether it's accommodation, online purchases, or services, always check the website's security (look for the padlock symbol in the address bar), and consider using trusted payment methods like PayPal or credit cards with fraud protection.
Watch Out for Phishing Attempts

Scammers love to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Be cautious of suspicious emails or websites that imitate official ones, asking you to verify account details or login credentials. Check the email addresses and website URLs for any misspellings or inconsistencies.
Beware of Job Scams

While finding part-time work is common for students, beware of job offers that sound too good to be true. Be cautious of upfront payment requests, jobs that promise unusually high salaries, or those that don't require any experience or qualifications. Research the company, read reviews, and trust your instincts
Do Your Research

Before falling for any "once-in-a-lifetime" offers, research them thoroughly. Check out the company or individual behind the proposal. If something smells fishy, Google it, ask your friends, or consult your institution's student support services.
Beware of 'Too Good to Be True' Opportunities

Free trips, dream jobs, or scholarships that sound too good to be true - they probably are! Scammers prey on your hopes and dreams, but a healthy dose of skepticism can save you from a world of trouble so don’t click the link!
Be Careful of What You Click

Avoid clicking on random links in emails or texts, especially if they come from unknown sources. These links might lead you to malicious websites aimed at stealing your information or infecting your devices.
Stay on Guard with Social Media

Scammers love social media platforms as much as you do! Be cautious about sharing personal information publicly or accepting friend requests from people you don't know. They might be wolves in sheep's clothing.
Keep Your Devices and Software Updated

Software updates may feel annoying, but they're essential for staying safe online. They often include security patches that protect you from the latest scams and vulnerabilities.
Report Scams and Seek Assistance

If you encounter a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via the Scamwatch website or reach out to your educational institution's student support services for guidance and assistance.
Stay Informed and Share Knowledge

Knowledge is power! Stay up-to-date with the latest scams by subscribing to the Scamwatch website. Share what you learn with fellow students, because the more people who know how to avoid scams, the safer we all become.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Scammers thrive on exploiting vulnerabilities, so stay informed and follow these tips. Stay sharp, stay safe, enjoy your studies, make amazing memories, and stay scam-free!

More information on employment scams is available on the WA ScamNet website where online scam reports can be lodged. Enquiries can be made by calling 1300 30 40 54. If you are a victim of an employment scam, report it to your financial institution, Australian Cyber Security Centre and IDCARE.

Staying Safe on A Night Out

Visit our blog for tips on how to stay safe on a night out in Perth.