Key Facts:
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for Indigenous children, accounting for 20% of deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under 24.
- Helpline demand has spiked to100 calls a day in September and October, with forecasts of up to 170/day over summer.
- Many young people face barriers like stigma and lack of privacy; expanding text and webchat could reach those unable to call.
With calls to 13YARN's national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people regularly surpassing 100 per day, Lifeline's Head of Indigenous Affairs Marjorie Anderson is highlighting the importance of culturally safe crisis support to meet surging demand.
Since launching in March 2022, 13YARN has seen demand grow year on year. In 2024, Crisis Supporters answered an average of 65 calls per day. This year, that figure has jumped to 91.
"We know that many Indigenous people are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping right now, and that is reflected in our numbers - at the start of October, 2025 officially became our busiest year," said Mrs Anderson.
"Demand is only heading in one direction - since September, 13YARN crisis supporters have been helping mob in crisis over 100 times each day. It's quickly becoming the new normal."
"The period around New Year has traditionally seen spikes in demand, with disrupted routines and increased stressors, so we are preparing to be taking up to 170 calls a day for those weeks."
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), between 2019 and 2023, suicide was responsible for approximately 20% of deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under 24 (i). Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Indigenous children (ii).
"While it's encouraging that people are more aware than ever that 13YARN exists, there are still critical barriers preventing more people from accessing support – especially young mob," added Mrs Anderson.
Feedback from communities and crisis supporters reveals young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face significant challenges when it comes to asking for help.
"We know there are a lot of things which can get in the way - like access, shame, as well as a range of complex cultural and environmental factors – and these often have more bearing on young people," said Mrs Anderson.
"The next step for 13YARN is the development of a text and webchat service, because we know that young people don't even talk to their parents half the time. They text them even when they're on the lounge next to them."
"A 13YARN text and chat service would mean we could meet young people where they're at, as well as opening up support pathways for people with disabilities or those living in family and domestic violence situations who don't have privacy or safety to speak on the phone."
Mrs Anderson emphasised that addressing these challenges is a collective responsibility which requires ongoing efforts to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and listen to community voices.
"Our aim is to get to a place where every Indigenous Australian can access culturally safe crisis support – and that means finding ways we can better reach those who face barriers to accessing help."
"We want people to know that they can connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 any time of the day or night and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who will take the time to listen."
"It is free, it's confidential and it's anonymous - no shame, no judgement," she said.
About us:
ABOUT 13YARN 13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
We offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
13YARN empowers our community with the opportunity to yarn without judgement and provide a culturally safe space to speak about their needs, worries or concerns.
