The Underbelly of Christmas

Youthline Press Release

For Youth Development organisation Youthline, Christmas is a busy time with over 5000 young people reaching out for support via the Youth Help Hub over the summer period.

Youthline National spokesperson Stephen Bell says although it’s great that people are reaching out for support, resourcing is a huge concern.

“As we’ve grown to meet the needs of young people and the demand for our services the support from some organisations and government have actually reduced for this vital service – which leaves us with a huge risk,” says Bell.

Youthline has lost a number of funders over these hard economic times and gets very limited government funding for the youth helpline and has to find about $500,000 every year to make sure the helpline service works."

“The only reason we are still here to support youth is because of the generosity of individuals and philanthropic and corporate organisations.”

Youthline will remain open over the holiday period, including on Christmas day ensuring young people and their families have access to support if they need it.

“As well as the usual issues facing youth, the summer break can bring all the anxieties associated with the start of a new year, including, for many, leaving home for the first time, with the transition to university or training institutes. Others will be starting a long, difficult search for employment – in any of these situations it’s easy to feel overcome with worry,” says Youthline National Spokesperson, Stephen Bell.

“We’d like to say that every call will be answered first time, but the reality is that in some cases this won’t happen,” adds Bell.

Youthline urges people to look out for one another and check in that everyone around you is doing OK.

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