The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support hotline 13Yarn marked 50,000 calls this week.

Program Manager Marjorie Anderson said one of the greatest challenges when providing crisis support to Aboriginal people in rural and regional communities is the lack of access to culturally sensitive mental health support.

"We often have to think outside the box when putting together a safe plan for someone who's rung 13Yarn in distress. We might say, 'When you felt like this before, what's worked to calm you down or make you feel empowered."

"They might come up with something like sitting by the river, or doing some gardening, or walking my dog, or visiting their auntie. We want them to take control of their mental health journey." 

But there are times when this approach simply isn't enough.

Although these strategies can help people out of their moment of distress, having professional help available would mean finding a long-term solution. Yet, often Aboriginal health services in rural and regional areas lack the funding and staff to be able to offer everyone the help they need, according to Ms. Anderson. 

"It is really difficult if people need ongoing counselling, psychological, or psychiatric support and Aboriginal medical services have a year-long waiting list for people to go and see a psychologist, or a counsellor. That's just not good enough. They aren't funded well enough to be able to have the people on hand to help." 

“If we are to truly close the gap, more homegrown culturally safe services in regional and remote locations, designed and run by local Aboriginal people, are critically needed.” 

 13Yarn offers 24/7 confidential crisis support. The hotline first started in 2022 as a culturally sensitive number Aboriginal people can call in times of distress. 

"Lifeline is a great service but when you ring them, you often have to educate the person on the other end of the phone about your culture, family make-up, responsibilities within your community, and your link to land. You've got to explain intergenerational trauma. By the time, you get to your issue, you're exhausted."

"When you ring 13Yarn, you don't have to go through all that because it's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island People on the other end. They understand the complexities of Aboriginal communities and families. You get straight to the issue and you feel culturally safe." 

13Yarn saw a 50 percent increase in calls in the first two years of operation starting at 17,000 calls in 2022 and 25,000 calls in 2023. 

The 13Yarn team consists of 62 operators working across Australia who take anywhere from 40 to 130 calls per day.

 “Over the last two years, the demand for help is far beyond what we ever expected and continues to grow. We have seen 27 days with more than twice, and sometimes nearly three times the average number of calls from help seekers," Ms. Anderson said.

The number of calls 13Yarn receives increases around the New Year period, Survival Day, and political moments such as the Voice Referendum when calls went up by 40 percent.

“Unfortunately, one of the most significant drivers for people seeking help has been racism in the aftermath of the Referendum," Ms. Anderson said. 

Ms. Anderson said she always likes to finish a call with, "If you're feeling no good, if you're feeling anxious, or upset, just call at 13 92 76. We're waiting for your call. We often make you feel better."