VisCom provides mental health line for direct contact to Beyond Blue

The Print & Visual Communication Association (VisCom) has opened a mental health support line 1800 VIS COM (1800 847 266), which provides direct contact to Beyond Blue, and is funded by the Federal Government.

Walter Kuhn, President of PVCA said: “Isolation combined with business uncertainty can be draining on all of us. We should all look out for our friends, colleagues, employees, neighbours and family for signs of anxiety or stress, and be there to support, lend an ear, or point them to one of the many counselling services that are available. “

PVCA can refer you, or your staff to these services. Simply call 1800 VIS COM

RUOK? is a good thing to be asking your contacts at this time.

The Federal Government will boost mental health services, domestic violence support, Medicare assistance for people at home and emergency food relief. This support will be rolling out immediately to deal with the secondary effects of the health and economic crisis caused by coronavirus.

“We will get through this crisis by staying together, by supporting each other and ensuring that no Australian, even though we have to be isolated, should have to go through this alone,” said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Australians will be able to access support in their own home using their telephone, or video conferencing features like FaceTime to connect with GP services, mental health treatment, chronic disease management,

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, services to people with eating disorders, pregnancy support counselling, services to patients in aged care facilities, children with autism, after-hours consultations and nurse practitioners.

Counselling support for families affected by, or at risk of experiencing, domestic and family violence including men’s behaviour change programs which will provide a short, medium and longer term response to support men. This is available via 1800RESPECT, the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling service.

Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au), will be a single source of authoritative information and guidance on how to maintain good mental health during the coronavirus pandemic and in self-isolation, how to support children and loved ones, and how to access further mental health services and care.

A dedicated coronavirus wellbeing support line, delivered by Beyond Blue, to help people experiencing concern due to a coronavirus diagnosis, or experiencing stress or anxiety due to employment changes, business closure, financial difficulties, family pressures or other challenges.

Government will provide additional support to charities and other community organisations which provide emergency and food relief as demand surges as a result of coronavirus.

Immediate scale-up services will be available through the National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007— which is often the first point of contact for people experiencing financial difficulties, and to support one-on-one te