In response to demand, Kids Helpline extended its support, with the establishment of a new counselling centre in Melbourne.

“Opening the Melbourne Kids Helpline Counselling Centre has been demand-driven, with Victoria representing 25% of the national contacts to Kids Helpline,” said Tracy Adams, yourtown CEO. 

“Extending our operations into Melbourne means that we can continue our long establishment relationship with children and young people across the state, and by expanding our counsellor numbers that gives young people across Victoria greater access to counselling support when they need it most.” 

Adams added that they will also continue to work closely with schools and other support services, to ensure that no child or young person cannot access professional support 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 

Related: Foundation extends support to assist Kids Helpline services through the pandemic

Acknowledging the crucial role played by supporters, Adams expressed thanks to Bupa Foundation, Kids Helpline’s principal partner for their support. 

“We are grateful for the ongoing generous support from Bupa Foundation, which has been instrumental in establishing our new counselling centre in central Melbourne,” concluded Adams. 

“We are really pleased that through supporting the opening of this new centre, we’re able to make a tangible contribution to improving the mental wellbeing of even more young Australians,” said Roger Sharp, Bupa APAC, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer.