Throughout September there are three awareness days, which include: Child Protection Week (September 1-7); World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and RU OK Day (September 12).
In 2019 (up until July) there have been 76,257 contacts made to Kids Helpline, with 6,928 related to suicide.
It’s noted that mental health issues and suicide-related thoughts accounted for more than one fifth of all calls made by children and young adults.
CEO of yourtown/Kids Helpline, Tracy Adams explains that they have increased the opening hours for web chat to 24/7.
“This has resulted in an additional 3,108 attempts and 1,723 contacts in the first half of this year.”
“There should be no wrong doors to accessing help, but we need to be working together, early intervention, greater access to services and support for families need to be prioritised,” Ms Adams said.
Kids Helpline is the only 24/7, free and confidential service for kids and young people aged 5 to 25 and is self-funded by yourtown art union, donors and grants.
To contact Kids Helpline, please call 1800 55 1800 or visit the website by clicking here.
