People with lived experience of mental illness and their carers are helping shape the future of the Mental Health Line by sharing their experience with the NSW Government.
The 1.800.011.511 line is a free phone service which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering specialist advice, support and referral to specialist NSW Health mental health services.
Nationals Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the events of the last few years have highlighted the importance and the need to invest in mental health services.
“The importance of health and specifically mental health in our society is evident, with the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing showing two in five Australians experience a mental health issue in their lifetime,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The Mental Health Line is an important service which helps people to access appropriate mental health services but there are always areas to improve.
“In 2020-21 around 864,000 Australians accessed at least one digital service for their mental health, but it is understood this represents only one in ten of those who experienced mental health distress.
“People need to be able to easily access services which can help them when they are at their most vulnerable. This is something we can and need to address.”
The NSW Government has allocated $2.2 billion across four years to invest into digital transformation projects through the DRF. The fund is administered by the Department of Customer Service and targets smart, simple technology solutions which create efficiencies for customers across the State.
To Have Your Say on the future of the Mental Health Line, please visit: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-mhl-consultation
The Mental Health Line number is 1.800.011.511.