CONTENT COURTESY SUPPORT ACT
Music industry charity, Support Act, has today launched two new options to its Wellbeing Helpline — a Sexual Health and Safety Support Line and LGBTQI+ Support Line.
The two new lines come in response to the rising demand for mental health services and the need to offer support to those experiencing discrimination in the music industry.
Sexual harassment, rape and other forms of assault disproportionately affect female, LGBTQI+ and gender-diverse members of the community, and continue to have serious impacts on the health and safety of all who work in the Australian music industry.
“Last year we saw the voices of our industry speak out loud and clear against the discrimination, sexual harassment and assault that have plagued the music community for far too long,” Support Act CEO Clive Miller explains.
“As a result, we saw a need to boost our Wellbeing Helpline to ensure support is provided to anyone who needs someone to talk to or a referral to receive specialist support.”
The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is a free, confidential phone counselling service available to anyone who works in music or the arts who is concerned about their mental health or wellbeing. It is accessible 24/7 by calling 1800 959 500.
The Sexual Health and Safety Support Line (Option 5 on the Helpline) will provide counselling support in relation to sexual harassment and any form of sexual abuse. A counsellor will work with each caller to find the best and most appropriate resources and plan to support them and their situation. This may include a referral to external services such as medical support, legal support and/or the police. Counselling appointments for this service will be made between 8am–6pm, Monday to Friday.
The LGBTQI+ Support Line (Option 2) is staffed by counsellors and professionals who have completed ACON Pride Inclusion training for LGBTIQ+ and gender diverse members of the industry.
Other options on the Helpline include a First Nations Support Line (Option 3) and a Manager Support Hotline (Option 4).
For further information on the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline, visit the Get Help page at supportact.org.au or call 1800 959 500.
*Please note, if in crisis or immediate danger, dial 000.
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Image Jonas Leupe via Unsplash.
