Free service launches to help with mental wellbeing

A new dedicated Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is now available to support all Australians to manage the impact of the pandemic on their mental health and wellbeing.

The free service, funded by the federal government and delivered by Beyond Blue, is available around the clock, delivering clear, evidence-based information, advice and support specifically tailored to the mental health and wellbeing challenges raised by the pandemic.
It offers easy access to a broad range of supports from online wellbeing tips, self-help tools to phone counselling from trained mental health professionals and peer to peer support.
The service has information about a range of issues including coping with loneliness and self-isolation, managing your mental health if you have the virus, ways to deal with job loss and financial worries, supporting friends and family, coping as a healthcare worker, and support for essential service workers and small businesses.
Beyond Blue built and launched the service in partnership with Medibank Health Solutions and Accenture. It will be continually updated with new information, other tools and support options. In addition to the federal government’s $10 million, Beyond Blue will direct a $5 million donation by Medibank to the new service to provide as much capacity as possible.
Beyond Blue chair Julia Gillard said the service would be further developed in the coming weeks and months to guide all Australians through uncertain and trying times.
“We anticipate growing demand for mental health support as this pandemic develops, both from people who are already managing mental health issues and those who have never struggled before.”
“We’ve built this service rapidly because we understand that all Australians need this support immediately and that now more than ever, prevention matters.”
The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Service is available 24/7 at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au. Its dedicated phone line, staffed by mental health professionals briefed on the pandemic response, is now open on 1800 512 348.