Worlds first helpline for men

Men’s Line Australia, a world first national 24 hour a day, seven-day a week family relationships counselling service specifically for men has been launched in a bid to provide much needed help to men in need.

Launching the phone service, the Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony said Men’s Line Australia will provide a much needed telephone counselling and referral services to men across the country to help them combat suicide, depression and other problems.

“The phone line will also help men to manage their relationships with partners, ex-partners and children, especially following separation and divorce.

“Care Ring (Personal Emergency Services Inc.), located in Melbourne, has been funded $1.6 million over three years to run Men’s Line Australia.

“I have been concerned for some time that many men feel lost and alone when most in need, feelings that can turn tragic if no help is available.

“If this service saves one life, connects one child with its father or better, helps families deal with separation, it will be extremely worthwhile,” Mr Anthony said.

(Research has shown that separated men have a suicide rate about 6.2 times that of married men, and about 12 times that of separated women. Women are also more at risk of family violence when they first leave a relationship.)

The number of Men’s Line Australia is 1300 78 99 78 for the cost of a local call*.

*Calls from mobile phones will be charged at local phone rates.