18-Jul-2018
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New free counselling and mental health service for Townsville veterans
On the Line is proud to announce the launch of NQ Connect: Operation Compass, as part of the Operation Compass suicide prevention pilot program for current and former Australian Defence Force personnel in the Townsville region.
NQ Connect: Operation Compass offers counselling and mental health resources designed specifically for veterans, current and ex-ADF members, as well as their families. The veterans’ service provides freely accessible help through the 1300 059 625 helpline, as well as web chat and video counselling. All services are available 24/7 and are staffed by professionally trained counsellors.
Working with the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network and Operation Compass, the new service will meet the mental health and wellbeing needs of thousands of veterans currently living in the Townsville region.
A key feature of the service is a series of ‘lived experiences’ videos from Australian veterans. They recount their personal experiences about seeking help and how it improved their situation and general wellbeing.
On the Line CEO Kim O’Neill said, “On the Line is pleased to work with the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network and Operation Compass in helping deliver high quality, evidence-based mental health assistance for the Townsville region.
“It is estimated that up to 15,000 former Defence members live in and around Townsville, as well as their families. People in need now have access to a sophisticated suite of services to address a range of mental and social health issues.
“These services include the 24/7 helpline, video and web chat, a free-to-use referral database, an online discussion forum, an online library of mental health resources, and interactive online testing for depression and anxiety.
“We look forward to sharing our expertise with communities that until now may have had limited access to safe and free professional counselling,” Ms O’Neill said.
NQ Connect: Operation Compass is part of the NQ Connect counselling and information service that addresses the low intensity mental health needs of people living and working in northern Queensland.
NQ Connect: Operation Compass is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Anyone who is in need of support, is feeling under pressure, or needs to talk can call 1300 059 625 or visit nqconnect.com.au/OperationCompass.
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For media enquiries or further information, contact:
Samantha Fredericks, Head of Business Strategy and Innovation
On the Line
T: 03 8371 2800
About On the Line Australia
On the Line is a national provider of some of Australia’s most vital and trusted support services, including MensLine Australia, Suicide Call Back Service and SuicideLine (Victoria). On the Line counsellors are expert in suicide and trauma-informed practice for anyone affected by suicide, mental health, men’s mental health, family violence (using and experiencing), healthy relationships, chronic health conditions, and substance abuse.
Our 24/7 telephone, web chat and video counselling services are staffed by professional counsellors, psychologists or social workers. All counsellors are multi-skilled across telephone, web chat and video counselling and highly experienced providing interventions from crisis support to general counselling.
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78