Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Tasmanian Government has provided $875,000 in funding to establish a new phone service called 1800 98 44 34 – A Tasmanian lifeline as part of our $985 million Social and Economic Support Package.
This new phone line is for any Tasmanian who may feel stressed about COVID-19, is anxious about the future, finding social isolation a challenge, or simply need a friendly and understanding voice to talk things over with for advice, information, comfort and reassurance.
The phone line is now live, and is staffed by Lifeline Tasmania from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
Over 25 new jobs have been 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.
Three types of support are being offered:
Call in: Tasmanians will receive psychosocial support from a trained support worker to discuss their concerns, and if appropriate be linked in to a referral service.
Call out: Contacting socially isolated older Tasmanians identified through existing services, family and friends who are concerned, or by other health professionals.
Reach out: In partnership with industries significantly impacted by coronavirus, identify and reach out to individuals who may need support, counselling or linking in with employee assistance programs.
I sincerely thank Lifeline Tasmania and their staff for their hard work to establish this new service quickly, so that Tasmanians can receive more support for their mental health and wellbeing when they need it during this period of uncertainty.
Further support is available if you feel like you or a loved one are not coping, including:
- Lifeline Australia (13 11 14)
- Beyond Blue (1300 22 46 36)
- Rural Alive and Well (1300 4357 6283)
- Kids Helpline (1800 551 800)
For more immediate support for people experiencing significant mental health problems, our Mental Health Services Helpline is available 24/7 on 1800 332 388, and in an emergency call triple zero.
