Talk it Out is 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, which is aimed at those aged 15 and older, 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.
The Talk it Out service is delivered by On the Line, the national provider of MensLine Australia, Suicide Call Back Service and SuicideLine Victoria.
Murray PHN chief executive Matt Jones said the organisation was excited to start delivering the service to communities, partnering with On the Line to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Murray PHN region.
“With the current COVID-19 pandemic and the bushfires during 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.”
On the Line chief executive Samantha Fredericks said the group was pleased to be delivering a low intensity mental health service on behalf of Murray PHN.
“Residents aged 15 years and older will be able to contact Talk it Out via the phone or online and speak to a professional counsellor who can provide advice, counselling, and referrals,” she said.
“Our counsellors will assess each person’s situation and use a strengths-based approach, focusing on increasing their capabilities and resilience.
“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.