Government announces free mental health support for Australians amid COVID-19 crisis

Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-09 12:08:27|Editor: ZD
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CANBERRA, April 9 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Government has announced free mental health support for those affected by COVID-19.

Greg Hunt, the Minister for Health, on Thursday announced 10 million Australian dollars (6.2 million U.S. dollars) in funding for the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service, which will be run by Beyond Blue - Australia's mental health support organization.

Launched on Thursday, the service is designed to help with the mental health impact of the pandemic.

It offers wellbeing tips, self-help tools, counselling from mental health professionals and referrals to financial support services.

Millions of Australians are expected to have their work status affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.

"I would like to thank Beyond Blue and their partners for building and launching this critical service so rapidly. What they have achieved is remarkable and will benefit millions of Australians," Hunt said in a media release.

"Looking after your mental health as the pandemic unfolds is just as important as protecting your physical health."

Beyond Blue has reported a 30 percent spike in people reaching out for support since the government imposed strict quarantine and social distancing measures recently.

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who has been the chair of Beyond Blue since 2017, said that the service would guide Australians through uncertain times.

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