A dedicated helpline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is taking more than 100 calls a day, with a push on for an expanded service.
Lifeline’s Head of Indigenous Affairs Marjorie Anderson said 13YARN had seen demand grow year on year, with crisis supporters answering an average of 91 calls per day this year, up from 65 last year.
“Demand is only heading in one direction – since September, 13YARN crisis supporters have been helping mob in crisis over 100 times each day,” Mrs Anderson said.
“It’s quickly becoming the new normal.
“The period around New Year has traditionally seen spikes in demand, with disrupted routines and increased stressors, so we are preparing to be taking up to 170 calls a day for those weeks.”
She said the rise in demand highlighted the importance of culturally safe crisis support.
“We know that many Indigenous people are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping right now, and that is reflected in our numbers.”
Mrs Anderson said according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), between 2019 and 2023, suicide was responsible for approximately 20 percent of deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under 24 and suicide remains the leading cause of death for Indigenous children.
“While it’s encouraging that people are more aware than ever that 13YARN exists, there are still critical barriers preventing more people from accessing support – especially young mob.”
She said feedback from communities and crisis supporters revealed young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people faced significant challenges when it comes to asking for help.
“We know there are a lot of things which can get in the way – like access, shame, as well as a range of complex cultural and environmental factors – and these often have more bearing on young people,” said Mrs Anderson.
“The next step for 13YARN is the development of a text and webchat service, because we know that young people don’t even talk to their parents half the time. They text them even when they’re on the lounge next to them.
“A 13YARN text and chat service would mean we could meet young people where they’re at, as well as opening up support pathways for people with disabilities or those living in family and domestic violence situations who don’t have privacy or safety to speak on the phone.”
