Free mental health telephone support line starts today

5/5/03
Free telephone mental health advice is available to South-West residents around the clock from today.
Health Minister Bob Kucera said 'South West 24' would provide vital support for people in the region.
"I urge all residents who have mental health problems, or are concerned about family or friends with mental health problems to call any time of the day or night," Mr Kucera said.
"Trained mental health professionals will be on hand to take calls and provide advice and assistance to individuals and their families.
"Mental health problems can occur at any time and it is comforting to know there is someone to listen and assist no matter when you call."
Mr Kucera said the establishment of 'South West 24' was part of a pilot program to improve support for dealing with mental health issues in rural communities in Western Australia.
It was launched by the Premier during a regional cabinet meeting in Bunbury and follows the success of other telephone-based health care services such as HealthDirect and Mental HealthDirect.
Mr Kucera said the major aims of the service were to:

• promote co-ordinated care to consumers by creating linkages between the services of community health, including mental health teams, inpatient units, general practitioners and psychiatrists;
• deliver high quality mental health triage, case management support and advice to consumers, carers and families especially after hours; and
• provide an urgent response for high-risk calls.

"The telephone service is designed to complement and enhance existing on the ground mental health and primary health care services," the Minister said.
"Mental health clinicians, GP Divisions, health service managers and consumer representatives have welcomed this initiative in light of the recognised difficulties in providing round the clock co-ordinated mental health services."
The telephone service will operate on Freecall No: 1800 555 336.
Minister's office: 9213 7000