WARNING: This article discusses suicide and mental health issues.
First Nations people across the country will for the first time have access to a purpose-built crisis hotline.
Co-designed and exclusively run by Indigenous staff, 13YARN will offer clinical and cultural support around the clock to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a first-of-its-kind, culturally safe initiative that employs a conversational approach.
National Program Manager Aunty Marjorie Anderson said that the unique resource centres on the power of storytelling in the healing process, and offers a judgment-free place for Indigenous people to express themselves.
"The suicide rate for Aboriginal people is double that of the wider community, and the truth of the matter is that our youth are a large part of that," she said.
"So this line was absolutely needed in the community.
"There has never been a national service run for and by mob that'll let me spin a yarn and take the time to listen, anytime that I need it."
Ms Anderson said anyone can access the service, and that the project aims to be a point of first contact for First Nations people in crisis.
"They will be assisted for their immediate situation, and if necessary, referred to culturally appropriate programs or services to make sure there is ongoing support," she said.
"When utilising other helplines, they would often have to spend the beginning of the call having to explain about their culture, the way our families work, and their community, before they could actually get any help."
13YARN is exclusively run by First Nations people, with the aim of providing a culturally safe space for mob to seek help. Source: Stock Image
'We understand'
Shane Simpson, a crisis support worker for the organisation, told NITV News that he hopes the "magical" connection First Nations people feel when connecting with other mob would set the hotline apart.
"They could call in really wound up and highly strung, but they often instantly calm down knowing that they're talking to another Aboriginal person," Mr Simpson said.
"We all have our own stories, we've probably been through similar things, and we understand. So it creates a connection, and once they know we're Aboriginal, the connection is just unreal.
Mr Simpson told NITV that he had already received many calls from Indigenous people of all ages and walks of life, and that the feedback had been overwhelmingly positive.
He said the service would provide support on a broad range of issues, such as domestic and family violence, loneliness, and mental health support.
13Yarn is funded by the Australian Government with the support of Lifeline and developed in collaboration with Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia.
The 13Yarn Service (13 92 76) is available across the country 24/7 from any phone.
