MENSLINE AUSTRALIA

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MENSLINE AUSTRALIA Terry Melvin Manager Fathers
Direct, London 2005
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Crisis Support Services

• An independent not for profit, operates three ,
  247 telephone counselling referral services.
• Care Ring oldest service in Australia
  Generalist-volunteer, Victoria wide
• Suicide Helpline - Victoria Experienced
  professional staff
• Mensline AustraliaNational, professional
  volunteer staff
• Child Support Agency pilot project - Direct
  Telephone Support Service (DTSS) and Being
  Connected

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Mensline Australia is .
? Commonwealth Government initiative ? A
confidential and anonymous telephone counselling
providing support for men dealing with family and
relationship concerns ? Staffed by paid
volunteer counsellors - expert in mens
issues ? Available 24 x 7 from anywhere in the
country for the cost of a local call
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Mensline Australia reason for being.
? Enhance community services response to mens
emotional needs ? Encourage more help seeking by
men ? Strengthen mens role in the family and
relationships ? Support and enhance mens crisis
management capacities
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Mensline Australia profile of callers .

• 87 of callers are male
• 85 of callers are aged between 30-49 years
• 60 of callers are living apart from family
  either alone, or in shared / supported accom.
  Approximately 1 is homeless.
• Nearly 70 are in full or part time work. 26 are
  unemployed
• 48 are separated or divorced 32 are in a
  relationship 18 are single.
• 73 are fathers (either their own or step
  children), however, 37 live apart from their
  children and 7 are sole parenting.

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Mensline Australia presenting issues

• Relationship difficulties
• Existing relationship, separation, parenting,
  access to children,
• Coping issues
• Depression / anxiety, anger, grief and loss
• Safety concerns
• Suicide/threats of self harm, family violence,
  child protection

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Mensline Australia activities

• Men at Work
• A dedicated line for Australia Post men
• Workplace Training
• Training workplaces to be more receptive and
  responsive to men (CSA / FCA)
• Telstra Fathers Project
• Fathers of young children in rural and remote
  areas who may be at risk to themselves or others.
  Extended call-back service providing support and
  skill enhancement.