Funded by NSW Government State Insurance Regulation Agency, and run by Neami National, the new Hear2Talk service, provides New South Wales employees with access to a free peer-run warmline.
Hear2Talk provides a safe space to talk to experienced peers who have a lived experience with mental health concerns.
SIRA Chief Executive Adam Dent said that Hear2Talk comes at a time when mental health and wellbeing support for people in NSW workplaces has never been more important.
“As we navigate the current outbreak of Omicron, mental health is a challenge facing many people at work and in the broader community,” Mr Dent said.
“Callers experiencing distress in the workplace will find an experienced peer waiting to listen and provide support through this helpline.
I encourage people doing it tough right now to reach out for support.”
SIRA has funded Hear2Talk as a 12-month pilot to increase support for NSW workplaces and contribute to the growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of mental health peer support.
Research has shown that ‘peer-operated’ services are critical to the process of recovery and result in an increase in visits to primary care doctors, leisure and recreation activities and socialisation with others.
Neami NSW State Manager Peter Gianfrancesco said that Neami has over 30 years’ experience delivering specialist, targeted community mental health support, including extensive experience providing phone-based support services in NSW and nationally.
“We know that to continue providing the best possible care to others in the community, we need to look after ourselves. That’s where the Hear2Talk team can help,” Mr Gianfrancesco said.
“The Hear2Talk team are experienced mental health peer-support workers, who understand the unique challenges of working in community mental health.
“When calling the Hear2Talk service, people can expect confidential, accessible and tailored phone-based support to listen and help build resilience and confidence in managing challenging experiences and emotions.”
To speak with the Hear2Talk team, call 1300H2TALK (1300 428 255), Monday to Friday between 12pm-8pm.
Callers will receive a call back within 24 hours for calls made outside operating hours. Callers requiring further support can also pre-book the service for a follow-up call.