In less than 7 months since its urgent commissioning, South Australia’s COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line has delivered more than 10,000 contacts to people impacted by COVID-19. This includes more than 7,000 calls to people returning from interstate and overseas who are quarantining in local hotels.

Simon Schrapel, Chief Executive of Uniting Communities which operates the service, said, “It’s been a remarkable journey since establishing the program in less than 72 hours, and engaging over 50 qualified mental health staff to take calls and provide outreach from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. The impacts of COVID-19 have been far-reaching and the added anxiety and distress across our community has been evident through the calls and contacts made.”

The Support Line extended its services to accommodate the increasing numbers of interstate and overseas arrivals needing to be quarantined in hotels. The service has needed to engage translators to assist communication with a number of returning citizens.

Acting Manager Anna Richmond said, “Mandatory quarantine has affected people in many different ways. The challenges of getting back to Australia has created anxiety for many and this is often coupled with issues of separation, concerns for the health and safety of family members, and uncertainty about their work and financial future.”

The costs associated with getting home, combined now with the costs of hotel quarantine, are also causing heightened financial distress for many.

Ms Richmond said, “Amongst helping people deal with the trauma associated with previous experiences living overseas and getting home, there are also powerful stories of resilience and survival for many returning Australians.”

“It is a privilege for Uniting Communities to have been able to deliver such an essential community service – not only for those returning to our State but for the many South Australians who have dealt with the impacts of COVID-19 for themselves and family,” adds Mr Schrapel.

“We know that there is increased pressure on people’s mental health and wellbeing and, with the support of the South Australian Government, the Mental Health Support Line is an important way of connecting with those who need some help in managing these challenges.”

The SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line is a free service, operating 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. Anyone seeking support can contact the service on 1800 632 753.