General News
23 May, 2024
Delivering mental support
Postcards with a lifesaving message will be delivered to five million households — including in the Central Goldfields — this month as part of an initiative to combat loneliness. Australia Post and Beyond Blue’s Connection Postcard program is...
Postcards with a lifesaving message will be delivered to five million households — including in the Central Goldfields — this month as part of an initiative to combat loneliness.
Australia Post and Beyond Blue’s Connection Postcard program is in its fourth year and is designed to keep Aussies connected, particularly in rural and regional areas, by giving out free postcards so residents can stay in touch with loved ones.
Maryborough Post Office postal manager Kristy Bardsley said she received positive community feedback from last year’s delivery.
“We ran out of postcards last year, everyone was on board with it,” she said.
“So many people use them. We were also surprised to find quite a few young people were using them and reaching out to people they hadn’t seen for a long time.”
According to Beyond Blue, one in three Australians grapple with loneliness, and this year an extra one million postcards will be delivered as part of the program.
The cards come in two parts — one with lifesaving mental health information, while the second is a detachable, prepaid postcard where recipients can pen a personalised note to send to a friend or loved one.
The cards also feature three message prompts to encourage connection including ‘share a thought’, ‘share a memory’ and ‘share a story’.
“It’s a free service, we deliver them to every home but they’re also available to be picked up at the post office,” Ms Bardsley said.
Australia Post general manager community and stakeholder engagement, Nicky Tracey, said Australia Post is proud to be expanding the campaign.
“We know that when we connect, we feel better. This is why we’re delighted to be a longstanding partner of Beyond Blue, helping to connect people with each other and to mental health information,” she said.
“Since 2020, over 16 million Connection Postcards have been delivered, providing Australians, including those in regional and remote communities, access to Beyond Blue’s incredible resources and the opportunity to connect with someone they care about.”
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available by calling Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or webchat beyondblue.org.au/get-support, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 or online at www.lifeline.org.au