A free and confidential mental health support line aimed at families living in rural and remote Australia has been launched by anti-bullying organisation, Dolly’s Dream.
One in 5 Australian young people reporting being socially excluded, threatened or abused online and 55 per cent of those sought help from their parents.
Access to suitable support at the right time can make a critical difference, wherever you’re located. The Dolly’s Dream Support Line offers easily accessible support and advice around the prevention and early intervention for a range of issues such as bullying, navigating stress, anxiety around exam time, parent expectations or image-based abuse.
Tick and Kate Everett, whose 14-year-old daughter Dolly took her own life in 2018 following sustained and ongoing bullying, said nurturing and strengthening mental health in regional and rural areas, especially in young people, is imperative.
“Support from a mental health professional isn’t cheap and it’s not always accessible, which is why Dolly’s Dream has partnered with registered mental health charity TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) to offer a free mental health support from qualified mental health professionals with recognised qualifications in psychology or counselling,” Tick said.
“The Dolly’s Dream Support Line can help give parents the language they need to start having difficult conversations with their kids. And it offers families the opportunity to access support in their own time and when they’re feeling safe and ready to talk. If you’re in need of help or advice, you can reach out, knowing the content of your call will be treated as confidential.”
No referral is needed, and the line is open to anyone who needs support. Call or text 0488 881 033 to connect with a trained mental health professional from 6am-10pm, Monday to Friday. If the team is on other calls, leave a message and your call will be returned.
Please note – this is not a crisis service. In an emergency, always call 000.