The Queensland Government’s new Women’s Wellbeing Line is providing easier access to health services for women who are geographically or socially isolated from health services.
Staffed by trained counsellors and midwives, it offers a call line (1800 4 WOMEN) and an email and web chat service, and will soon offer face-to-face video conferencing.
It is operated by Women’s Health and Equality Queensland with an $11.35 million Government investment over four years.
Member for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause, said the service provided essential mental healthcare, counselling, pregnancy loss advice and health referrals for women and girls, particularly those in rural and remote areas.
Women’s Health and Equality Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Emma Iwinska, said the 1800 4 WOMEN call line was a service created by women for women.
Since December, the 1800 4 WOMEN call line has assisted 180 callers, who sought non-crisis mental health support, grief and loss counselling following pregnancy or neonatal loss, midwifery support and advice, and domestic and sexual violence counselling.
The Women’s Wellbeing Line operates Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 9am to 5pm.
To access its services, contact 1800 4 WOMEN, email wellbeing@wheq.org.au, or connect via webchat by clicking the following link: 1800 4 WOMEN – Women’s Health and Equality Queensland