13YARN, an Indigenous-led crisis hotline, has officially launched.
Wuthathi and Meriam man from Murray (Mer) Island John Paul Janke officiated the launch held in Eora (Sydney) at the Sydney Opera house on Thursday, with a smoking ceremony, cultural dance, and a musical performance from leading Indigenous artist Marcus Corowa marking the occasion.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride were pleased to make the announcement after a positive result of the hotline becoming active earlier this year.
"The hotline is already operating successfully - providing welcoming, culturally safe support for our people," said Ms Burney.
"I understand that in October alone, more than 2500 calls to 13 Yarn were answered – That's 500 more than the previous month."
Funded by the federal Department of Health, the purpose-built, 24/7 national telephone helpline was co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is run with the support of Lifeline.
More than 2,500 calls to 13YARN were answered in October 2022, an increase of 500 on the previous month. In the first 10 days of November, the service answered more than 1,000 calls and is on track for its biggest month to date.
There are 44 Crisis Supporters operating in Cairns, Townsville, Bundaberg, Ipswich, Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange, Wollongong, Nowra and Perth.
National program manager Majorie Anderson said the service fills a gap that has existed for too long.
"The more we have gone out into the community, the more trust we have been able to build – by showing mob that we are listening to their needs and yarning about the ways in which we can help them when they are feeling overwhelmed or doing it tough," she said.
"On average, our First Nations Crisis Supporters are helping keep over 100 people safe a day – and this call volume is growing week on week.
"We believe there is always hope at the end of a yarn. We know how to listen without judgement or shame, and we believe in the power of storytelling to heal."
Anyone may access the service by calling 13YARN (13 92 76) at anytime, where they will be assisted for their immediate situation, and if required, referred to culturally appropriate programs.
If you, or someone you know are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13 YARN [13 92 76] and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
