Mental health support and resources

Losing a large amount of money is stressful, especially if you or your partner were planning to retire soon. Many people who invested in Shield and First Guardian are worried about getting their money back, saving for retirement or paying day-to-day expenses while their superannuation account is frozen. This can take a toll on your mental health. There is help and support available for you and your family.

I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed – who can I talk to?

People impacted by Shield and First Guardian are showing incredible courage as they navigate this challenge. It’s normal to experience a mix of emotions after financial loss, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, which will put you in a position to make good decisions about your future. If you want to talk to someone straight away – about you or a loved one – the following services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis counselling and support – call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. They also offer online chat crisis services.

Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.

Beyond Blue Support Service is available 24/7 for counselling. You can call them on 1300 22 4636 or chat to them online.  They also have a variety of other mental health supports you can access.

13YARN – call 13 92 76 to talk to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter, 24/7.

MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24/7 or chat online. You can also make an appointment for a video call.

Is there a way to talk to other Shield and First Guardian investors?

Yes. There are social media groups that have been created by other investors who have lost their money in Shield and First Guardian. We’ve listed them below. Social media groups can be a great way to connect with other people who are experiencing the same things you are, organise and get support. But, it’s important to remember a few things about social media:

• Joining a social media group isn’t for everyone – if social media makes you feel more upset, anxious, depressed or overwhelmed, consider if you want to join or take a break from the group at any time if you need to.
• Scammers often use social media groups to target people for recovery scams, so be cautious about any direct messages you receive from other members of the group. They might not be who they appear to be. If you see something that looks dodgy or you’re unsure about, report it to the admin or moderator of the group and block anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Information shared in a social media group isn’t always correct. Other investors will often share their experiences, which can be really helpful, but well-meaning advice can also be harmful if it’s not the right advice for you. If you’re not sure, double check with an official source or ask for help from a licensed financial adviser or lawyer.

Social media groups for Shield and First Guardian investors

Facebook group – Save our Super Reddit – r/ShieldMasterFund