Murray Primary Health Network has launched Talk it Out — a free phone and online counselling service for people in the Murray PHN region who are feeling the pressures and stresses of everyday life.
The service, aimed at people aged 15 and over, is provided by professionally trained counsellors who will listen and help people develop strategies to manage what is causing them to feel stressed or overwhelmed.
Murray PHN chief executive Matt Jones said he was excited to start delivering this essential service to communities, partnering with On the Line to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the region.
“With the current COVID-19 pandemic and the bushfires over summer, we have seen the impact on mental health across our communities,” he said.
“We also know that at any one time, around one in five adults in the Murray PHN region is experiencing mental ill-health.
“This service provides access to free, confidential, counselling 24/7 and will link people with additional services locally, to ensure they remain supported throughout their recovery.”
The Talk it Out service is delivered by On the Line, the national provider of MensLine Australia, Suicide Call Back Service and SuicideLine Victoria.
On the Line chief executive Samantha Fredericks said the organisation was pleased to be delivering a low-intensity mental health service on behalf of Murray PHN.
“Our counsellors will assess each person’s situation and use a strengths-based approach, focusing on increasing their capabilities and resilience,” she said.
“Now, more than ever, people are seeking convenient telehealth support for mental health concerns such as anxiety, loneliness, and stress.”
Talk it Out is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1300 022 946 or by visiting talkitoutmurray.org.au and signing up for online counselling.
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