10-Sep-2018
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Step Together helpline: For people concerned about violent extremism in NSW
On the Line is pleased to provide an update on the successful uptake of the Step Together service, funded by the NSW Government.
Launched in June 2017, Step Together is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to countering violent extremism. Violent extremism can come from any side of the political spectrum, any religion, race or other grouping. The key defining behaviour that makes this a problem for our society is the use of violence to pursue goals for change.
Step Together offers community advice and support through a helpline and online service for people who may be concerned or worried that someone they care about may be headed down a path of effecting political and social change through violence.
On the Line CEO Kim O’Neill said, “On the Line is pleased to advise counselling contacts to the Step Together service have significantly increased since the service launch, enabling us to help more people develop resilience and be connected to community support. Step Together has provided over 500 telephone and web chat counselling contacts, and has had over 38,000 visitors to the Step Together website. Our comprehensive communications strategy (which includes traditional, digital and community engagement marketing) has also reached over a million NSW residents. We look forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government to provide advice and support for anyone in the community who is concerned about violent extremism.”
Step Together is a free early intervention and prevention service. The helpline and web chat are staffed by highly trained members of our Step Together team, all of whom are qualified professional counsellors.
On the Line has been providing professional counselling support for over 60 years. On the Line’s counsellors provide telephone, web chat and video counselling services to more than 100,000 people each year.
Step Together is available from 7am to 9pm, seven days a week. Anyone in NSW who is looking for advice and support about violent extremism can call 1800 875 204 or visit steptogether.com.au.
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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 professional social health organisation that delivers outsourced digital counselling solutions on behalf of our funders. We specialise in supporting client groups along the mental health continuum: from those who are high risk and have complex mental and social health needs, to the worried well, through to integrated physical, mental and social wellbeing.
On the Line is the national provider of some of Australia’s most vital telephone and online counselling services including MensLine Australia and Suicide Call Back Service.
Our operational footprint includes 21 tele-psychotherapy services, delivered on behalf of commercial and government partners, and four Primary Health Networks. Our telephone, web chat and video counselling services are supported by digital and offline marketing and promotions; interactive websites; moderated social media channels and online forums; and digital products including apps.
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78