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.
On this page
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. Social media groups can be a great way to connect with other people who are experiencing the same things you are, share information, organise and get support. We’ve listed them below.
Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can make a real difference. To get the most out of these groups, it’s important to remember a few things about social media:
- Your well-being comes first. While social media can be a great source of support, it can also be overwhelming. If social media makes you feel more upset, anxious, depressed or overwhelmed, you can take a break from the group at any time if you need to.
- Be aware of scams. 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. If you see something that looks dodgy or feels off, trust you instincts and report it to the admin or moderator of the group. Block anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Double check important information. Other investors will often share their experiences, which can be really helpful, but it may not the right advice for you. It’s always worth double checking with an official source, a licensed financial adviser or a lawyer before making decisions.
Social media groups for Shield and First Guardian investors
|
Group |
Group description |
|---|---|
|
Facebook group – Save our Super |
The SOS Save Our Super Facebook page is a dedicated space where investors come together, share updates, and support one another through this process. Being part of a community like this means you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. |
|
Reddit – r/ShieldMasterFund |
This community is for those who have had their super caught up in the Shield Master Fund (and more recently First Guardian) debacle and to discuss how we all ended up here. |
Where can I get more information?
See the links below for more information about each topic.
|
Topic |
Links |
|---|---|
|
Free financial counselling services |
ASIC Moneysmart – Financial counselling |
|
Mental health support services |