Hornsby Shire Council, in collaboration with Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney, launched free mental health support for the local community a year ago.
Staffed by trained Lifeline volunteers, “Lifeline Connect”, offers a confidential conversation in a safe space where participants can feel heard, listened to and supported.
Initially offered as a trial in the lead up to last year’s Higher School Certificate to provide mental health support to students in need, as well as others in the community, the service gauged demand over a few months. Due to positive community response, the program has been extended and will continue offering essential mental health support at Hornsby Library every Thursday on an ongoing basis.
Lifeline Connect is an early intervention and prevention model that provides a gateway to local services, not just those run by Lifeline. Volunteers are highly trained in: Providing client-centred support to people in crisis; Increasing the safety of individuals at risk of suicide; Recognising and responding to crisis situations.
Hornsby Shire Council General Manager Steven Head says the Lifeline Connect support hub plays a crucial role in addressing mental health challenges in the Hornsby Shire community.
“The Hornsby Shire community unfortunately is not immune from the various challenges that can face many people at some point in their lives,” said Steven.
“We’re proud to partner with Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney on this initiative, and by continuing the program are ensuring that our residents continue to have easy access to essential mental health support here in Hornsby”.
This initiative joins several other community services and events facilitated by Hornsby Shire Council in the local area designed to reduce social isolation and facilitate community cohesion for groups such as seniors, young people and people experiencing homelessness.
For more information, visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/lifelineconnect
