BEYOND BLUE LAUNCHES NEW CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT SERVICE

Mental health support service, Beyond Blue today launched a new online service to help Australians struggling with the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

Funded by the Federal Government and delivered by Beyond Blue, the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is an online 24/7 support service.

With a colourful and easy-to-use interface, the website provides access to a broad range of supports including online wellbeing tips, phone counselling and peer-to-peer support.

The website is designed to help those struggling with loneliness and self-isolation.

It also offers support to those whose anxieties have been compounded by job loss and financial worries.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman says the organisation has seen a 30 per cent spike in it’s service over the past two weeks, as people struggle to deal with the fallout from the virus.

“People are telling us they’re feeling overwhelmed, worried, lonely, concerned about their physical health and the health of friends and loved ones, and anxious about money, job security and the economy,” Ms Harman said.

“Right now, people are looking for simple, practical information that’s available, reliable and relevant to them.”

She said the website would offer peace of mind to those who are struggling to cope.

“Some people will benefit from knowing that the strategies they’re already using have good evidence behind them. Others will discover new tips and tactics.”

“Many will benefit from making a phone call to a trained mental health professional who is equipped with the latest information about the pandemic response.”

Some economic forecasts suggest between 17 per cent and 28 per cent of the workforce could be left unemployed due to the crisis.

Thats between 2.2 million and 3.6 million people without a job.

Chair of Beyond Blue Chair, and former Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, said providing support to those left unemployed is imperative.

“We need to support people to cope and stay well, and we need to intervene early to halt any decline in the conditions of those already living with mental illness so that we reduce the longer-term impacts.”

“Just as people are looking after their physical health, we’re asking people to actively look after their mental health.”

The service will be further developed and updated in the coming weeks.

You can access the service at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au