SUICIDE prevention and family counselling support services have been boosted with the opening of a new Footscray centre.
The purpose-built On The Line offices will provide telephone support services, including MensLine Australia, the Suicide Call Back Service and Veterans Line along with Suicide Line Victoria and the beyondblue information and referral line.
Starting as volunteer organisation Personal Emergency in Footscray 50 years ago, On The Line has become Australia’s leading telephone and online counselling provider.
Its chief executive officer, Alyson Miller, says the new facilities offer a better way to connect with the most ‘disconnected’ people in the community.
“There are many people experiencing real emotional pain and isolation and we want people to know we are here for them 24 hours a day, every day.”
Launching the new office, Gellibrand MP Nicola Roxon said vulnerable local families would now have better access to professional counselling and support.
“Now boasting a workforce of 110 fully trained and professional counsellors, social workers and psychologists, the organisation supports over 160,000 vulnerable and at-risk Australians each year,” she said.
Mental Health Minister Mark Butler said the new offices were part of a $2.2 billion mental health package to help at-risk Australians.
