Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Tasmanian Lifeline service has been extended with a further $300,000 investment until 30 June 2021, to continue providing mental health support to Tasmanians impacted by the changes COVID-19 has had on their lives.
The 1800 98 44 34 service was established as part of the Government's response to the coronavirus pandemic, and provides support to those facing challenges including social isolation, loss of employment, and drug and alcohol issues.
The service, which is staffed from 8am to 8pm seven days a week, has been invaluable in providing support and information regarding the resources available for people needing additional assistance.
Three types of support are provided through the service including:
- Call in – people receive psychosocial support from a trained support worker to discuss their concerns, and if appropriate, are linked in to a referral service;
- Call out – contacting socially isolated older Tasmanians to check in on their welfare. These people are identified either through existing services, concerned family and friends, or other health professionals; and
- Reach out – in partnership with industries significantly impacted by coronavirus, individuals who may need support are identified and reached out to and provided counselling or linked in with employee assistance programs.
Tasmanian Lifeline took 100 calls in May when it commenced, and the monthly average number of incoming calls has increased to more than 170, with as many as 80 reach out calls also being made.
While the service commenced specifically in response to the mental health and wellbeing impact of coronavirus, more recently callers have identified general mental health concerns, not necessarily related to coronavirus, as their primary reason for calling.
The additional funding will allow the service to plan for further engagement with key Tasmanian industries and continue to respond to the general mental health and wellbeing needs of Tasmanians.
More than 25 new jobs were created to deliver this important service, with social work, psychology and counselling students from the University of Tasmania professionally trained to help staff the call centre.
