02-Oct-2017
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Step Together helpline: For people concerned about violent extremism in NSW
Launched on 28 June 2017, Step Together is an initiative of the NSW Government’s further to its commitment to countering violent extremism. 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 trying to effect political and social change through violence.
“The Step Together helpline and online service has been specifically designed to help support people concerned about all forms of violent extremism, rather than focusing on a particular form of violent extremism. The helpline offers counselling support to members of the public, together with information, advice and referrals to services that can help”, said Kim O’Neill, CEO at On the Line.
“Step Together is not a reporting service, and, as with our other counselling lines, provides confidential support to callers.
“Step Together is still a very new service, so the low number of calls received so far is consistent with our expectations during this startup phase. In partnership with the NSW Government, we have taken a cautious approach to marketing Step Together, but are now rolling out a comprehensive engagement plan. It is anticipated that increased knowledge of the service will increase interest in, and use of, the service over the coming months”, Ms O’Neill said.
The Step Together helpline is staffed by On the Line’s highly trained and qualified professional counsellors, who work to encourage people to feel better, building resilience and connecting people with community support.
Step Together aims to help people who may be vulnerable to extremist ideologies and need support. On the Line has been providing professional counselling support for over 55 years. On the Line’s counsellors provide telephone, web chat and video counselling services to more than 75,000 people nationally 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 national provider of some of Australia’s most vital and trusted 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 our 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