Overview: Telephone support lines provide valuable assistance to many people every year. In this post we report on the recent launch of a crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people called 13YARN. Reading time ~ 4 minutes.
Just received news from a colleague that a new crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has launched called 13YARN.
The following information is taken directly from their ‘About Us’ webpage.
13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. We offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 13YARN empowers our community with the opportunity to yarn without judgement and provide a culturally safe space to speak about their needs, worries or concerns.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
This is your story; your journey and we will take the time to listen. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. We’re here for you.
About 13YARN
13YARN is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line funded by the Australian Government with the support of Lifeline and developed in collaboration with Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia. It is run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We have co-designed this line using Lifeline expertise with several Aboriginal mental health professionals including NACCHO, Black Dog Institute Aboriginal Lived Experience team and the Centre for Excellence in Suicide Prevention along with input from Torres Strait Islander, remote, regional, and urban peoples with lived experience. We work to explore options for ongoing support and community members will always be reassured they will be connected to another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who will understand where they are coming from and value knowing HOW to listen, without judgement or shame.
13YARN’S key attributes
- Our service is designed, led and delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across varying demographics including age, family status, urban, rural and remote locations that have high rates of suicide and self-harm.
- 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.
- The 13YARN crisis helpline will not only build capacity and resilience for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it will also create and enhance opportunities in communities.
- This service will be monitored and led by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee closely engaged with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led service management team.
Key Points about 13YARN
- First national support line for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in crisis.
- We listen without judgement
- Confidential and anonymous
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters
- Available 24/7 across the country and accessible by any phone in Australia
- Culturally Safe Space
For more telephone support services visit this post.