First Nations people around the country now have access to a new 24/7 purpose-built crisis support hotline, called 13YARN.
Designed, led and delivered by First Nations people, 13YARN or 13 92 76, is a free, confidential, and culturally safe initiative that offers around the clock support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
Funded by the Australian Government with the support of Lifeline and developed in collaboration with Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia – a newly established network of First Nations experts in suicide prevention and mental health.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said, “every life lost to suicide is a national tragedy and has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities,”
Sadly, suicide accounts for 40 per cent of all deaths of Indigenous children, and the suicide death rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is approximately twice that for non-Indigenous people.
“This vital service is about ensuring that all Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders have 24/7 access to culturally safe crisis support during the darkest times. It will save and protect lives,” Minister Hunt Said.
13YARN reflects the cultural and historical factors that had contributed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ understanding and experience of mental wellbeing and suicide.
National Program Manager Aunty Marjorie Anderson said mob have long recognised that there’s a gap in mental health services designed and staffed by mob.
To find out more visit the 13YARN website here