​People from diverse communities in NSW needing mental health support will now be able to access an Australian-first multicultural mental health phone line service covering up to 30 different languages.

The service is staffed by registered bilingual mental health professionals covering languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Korean, Vietnamese and Ukrainian.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said this new phone line would support people from diverse communities who are struggling with their mental health to access appropriate services.

Wide range of mental health services

‘While there is a wide range of mental health services available to all NSW residents, language and different cultural understandings of mental health can act as a barrier for people when accessing services.

‘This new phone line will support people to get the help they need, with a specialist team of health care professionals ready to provide care and connect people with the appropriate services.’

Available Monday to Friday between 9am to 4.30pm on 1800 648 911, the Transcultural Mental Health Line improves access to mental health care and support for diverse communities.

24/7 counseling service

The Transcultural Mental Health Line joins a host of services, programs and initiatives including STARTTS, which offers a 24/7 counseling service for people that have experienced trauma related to war and violence overseas.

If you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling 000.  If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please call Lifeline 13 11 14  or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. The NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 is a 24/7 service that can advise you on appropriate local mental health services for you or a loved one.

For multilingual mental health resources, visit the Transcultural Mental Health Centre websit: www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/tmhc.

The $3.2 million investment over four years is part of the $130 million COVID-19 Mental Health Recovery package and builds on the $2.68 billion 2022-23 NSW Mental Health Budget, the largest mental health investment in the state’s history.