The NSW Police Force has joined with Lifeline Australia to launch an awareness campaign to focus attention on suicide prevention.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott said the partnership would see 12 highway patrol vehicles branded with highly-visible stickers to promote Lifeline’s ‘13 HELP’ (13 43 57), a dedicated phone number for people in bushfire affected communities.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said police had seen first-hand the impact that recent hard times had had on the community of NSW.
“As first responders, police know more than most about the devastating effects these bushfires have had on local communities.” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“We know that things may feel acutely overwhelming at times.”
He said he wanted to remind the community that police and Lifeline were just two avenues that could provide immediate help for people in crisis.
Mr Elliott said that after battling through severe drought, a ‘Black Summer’ of bushfires, February floods and the spread of COVID-19, no one should feel ashamed or embarrassed to reach out for help.
He said it was important people knew help was just a phone call away.
The Minister said the campaign would also be promoted on variable messaging signage across the road networks.
