By Hope 103.2 NetworkFriday 10 Mar 2023NewsReading Time: 2 minutes
13YARN is like Lifeline but for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
It’s the first national service of its kind where people can have a yarn over the phone, one-on-one, when they’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
13YARN has been co-designed with the community and is led by, delivered by, designed by and perhaps most importantly, answered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
National Manager Marjorie Anderson explained what 13YARN offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“It’s much more conversational and relaxing to ring through,” Marj said.
“They’ll be no judgement, no shame.
“Just somebody sitting in your space and trying to empower you to get the long-term help you need or just talk you down from feeling anxious.”
“That’s all we want to do, to make sure that we protect Aboriginal lives.” Marjorie Anderson, 13YARN
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, suicide accounted for 5.3 per cent of all deaths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in 2021.
During the same period, suicide accounted for 1.8 per cent of deaths of non-Indigenous Australians.
Marj and the team at 13YARN are hopeful that this service can help bring down the suicide rate.
Many incredible services already exist for Australians to reach out for support, but Marj explained the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
“We’ve got intergenerational trauma. We’re often in the lower bracket of income. We’ve got family dynamics and community responsibilities and sometimes that can weigh down on you.”
“The feedback that we got is when Aboriginal people ring or speak to a non-Aboriginal service, they have to go through and educate that person on their culture, on their responsibilities, on their family dynamics and family makeup before they can get the help they need.”
13YARN is available for people in crisis but Marj encouraged people to reach out much earlier than that – to prevent things escalating.
“If you’re not feeling good, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or you get that horrible sick feeling in your stomach when things aren’t going well, when you’re anxious, that’s when you should ring,” Marj said.
“Don’t wait till you’re in absolute crisis.”
13YARN or 13 92 76 is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 24 hours a day, from any phone in Australia.
If you’re struggling or feeling overwhelmed, reach out on 13 92 76.
Article supplied with thanks to 96five.
Feature image: Canva Pro