A NEW campaign encouraging train passengers to access mental health services has been launched.
The Pause. Call. Be Heard. campaign, developed by the TrackSAFE Foundation and Lifeline Australia, launched last week and allows passengers to receive messages through their social media feeds about Lifeline’s services.
The TrackSAFE Foundation aims to increase safety and prevent suicides on the rails, as well as improve mental health outcomes.
The messages will be delivered to passengers through a digital platform – via Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and YouTube – in times and at places that Lifeline know pose greatest risk for people who are doing it tough.
The campaign was also launched on billboards at selected train stations.
A University of Melbourne evaluation showed the campaign had already had an impact on commuters.
The results showed that 26 per cent of randomly selected commuters had noticed the billboards during their train travels over a one-month period and 75 per cent of those had directly engaged with the messaging.
The federal government is also finalising terms of reference on a Royal Commission into the Mental Health Service System, which will provide a comprehensive set of recommendations on how best to reform the mental health system and support Victorians with mental illness, including those at risk of suicide.
TrackSAFE Chairman Bob Herbert AM said the campaign will have a direct impact on mental health.
“This decision to fund the digitisation of the ‘Pause.Call.Be Heard.’ campaign across Victoria will help this campaign reach millions of commuters, meaning more people are encouraged to phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 when in need,” he said.
Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne said the Pause. Call. Be Heard. campaign was an important step for the Labor Government in reducing suicide rates.
“Millions of Victorians visit our train stations every day – this is a new way to promote the support available to those who are doing it tough,” she said.
TrackSAFE will also hold it’s own version of R U OK? Day on April 11, which is an industry-wide event designed to encourage employees and their families to check in with each other and talk about mental health.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing difficulty, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or visit their website.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
