A much needed mental health helpline has been launched to help members of the Australian music industry. The Wellbeing Helpline was launched this week by Support Act: a free and confidential 24-hour support line staffed by professional psychologists from AccessEAP, and available to anyone working in the music industry.
The Wellbeing Helpline is a free and confidential service that according to Clive Miller, Support Act CEO is “in direct response to requests from our colleagues working in music to help improve overall mental health and wellbeing.”
The helpline will offer expertise in all areas of mental health like depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, addition, illness, loneliness, workplace conflict and more.
There are mental health lines for the general public, but for an industry that is plagued by mental health issues, this is a welcome step to hopefully aid those who struggle to ask for help.
The organisation drew on research in New Zealand and Victoria that suggested people working in creative industries “face a number of unique challenges in relation to their overall mental health and wellbeing,” says Miller. “The good news is that many people are now speaking more openly about these issues and seeking solutions for themselves, their colleagues and their families.”
The helpline is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 1800 959 500.
Other support crisis support services can be reached 24 hours a day: Lifeline 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78; Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
