A recent story from ABC News stated that suicide rates in rural areas of Australia are consistently 40 per cent higher than the rates in metropolitan areas (You can read the full story here). These figures are taken directly from Sane Australia, a national charity helping all Australians affected by mental illness.

When looking geographically we know that those living in metro regions of Australia are surrounded by infrastructure and services, whereas those in rural and remote locations are severely disadvantaged and have limited access to essential services.

For those people living in remote locations with mental illness or those experiencing times of poor mental health, it can be incredibly difficult to get access to the help and support they need.

“We believe that regardless of where you live, you should be able to access the services and resources you need”

At Frontier Services, we believe that regardless of where you live, you should be able to access the services and resources you need. We know that living in the outback can be incredibly tough, especially when the challenges of daily life are combined with things like isolation, access to support and drought – to name a few.

We know that more needs to be done in these areas and so are working hard to help those people in need and also help their communities.

Through Pastoral Care and with the help of our incredible Bush Chaplains/Patrol Ministers we’re able to visit people in need right across Australia. Our Bush Chaplains are constantly on the road; visiting people on isolated properties, Aboriginal communities, mine sites and remote communities.

Through the many kilometres travelled and communities visited, our Bush Chaplains are able to reach people right across their patrols, but there are still many more people that we can’t get to and in need of our help.

You can help support the people of remote Australia by giving to the ongoing provision of our Patrol Ministry and volunteer assistance programs. Together we can help bring hope to the people of remote Australia.

If you or someone you know is experience mental health issues, call:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Image Credit: Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health & ABC News