This month we focus on the 13YARN Helpline, a service committed to providing a free and confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
13YARN (13 92 76) is the first national service of its kind for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in crisis.
They offer a confidential one-on-one over the phone yarning opportunity and support with a trained Lifeline Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
This service runs 24 hours a day, seven days per week and provides a culturally safe space to speak about needs, worries or concerns.
Anyone calling this line can always be assured they will be connected to another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who will understand where they are coming from and value knowing how to listen, without judgement or shame.
This is a free service and calls are free from any phone.
This service is particularly important now, with the national conversation on the Voice in Australia.
It might negatively affect the mental health and wellbeing of some first nations people.
People will have different opinions about the Voice, which could lead to difficult conversations with family, friends and colleagues.
Sadly too, some people will express racist or negative views about First Nations peoples on social media and other channels.
These conversations may cause additional stress for some people.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling distressed, worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter.
This service is funded by the Australian Government with the support of Lifeline.
It is monitored and led by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, closely engaged with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led service management team.
For more information visit https://www.13yarn.org.au/.
Further resources and support information is available at https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/first-nations-mental-health-and-wellbeing-services-and-supports.
At any time when a life is in danger, please call 000.
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources and support information are also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.
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