Lifeline Canberra has received a $100,000 funding boost to help deal with a 25 per cent increase in calls for help due to concerns about coronavirus.
The additional ACT government funding will allow Lifeline to take up to 1000 extra calls per month for six months.
Lifeline Canberra chief executive Carrie-Ann Leeson said it was important to provide the community with emotional support during uncertain times.
"We're still managing the fallout from bushfires, floods and droughts," she said.
"By the time COVID-19 hit us we were well and truly overwhelmed as a service."
She said people were needing help to deal with the effect of isolation and the financial impact of the virus.
"It's important to look after your hygiene and to follow self-isolation directions, but all of that does have an unintended consequence in terms of one's mental health," Ms Leeson said.
"The seeking of [financial counselling] has increased. Major announcements being made by some of our most steady organisations ... are sending shock waves and fears throughout the community."
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Despite the welcome funding boost, Ms Leeson said the organisation was nowhere near being able to fulfil 100 per cent of its demand.
Ms Leeson said now was the time for everyone to be kind to each other.
"We are seeing some pretty distressing behaviour play out in our streets and shopping centres," she said.
"It's really upon everyone to check in on themselves and ensure they are taking necessary steps to exercise effective self care."
Mental health minister Shane Rattenbury said the level of anxiety occurring across the ACT was taking its toll, and Lifeline was one of the first ports of call for those in need of support.
It's really upon everyone to check in on themselves and ensure they are taking necessary steps to exercise effective self care.
Lifeline Canberra chief executive Carrie-Ann Leeson
"While we are expanding funding to Lifeline, we would also encourage people to seek assistance from other options, including a wide range of online resources that can help manage anxiety during this time," he said.
"Keeping to routines as much as possible is important and paying attention to basic self-care such as eating healthy and trying to maintain good sleep patterns can be helpful."
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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