Helplines Australia is an association that actively supports and promotes ethical and professional standards for counselling and support services via the telephone and internet whilst allowing each service to remain autonomous.
Helplines Australia is a voluntary, non government, not for profit association.
Helplines Australia is primarily supported by its membership base, however further support is sought by state and federal government grants and commercial sponsorship.
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As a national association we aim to:
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Liaise and participate with businesses and government agencies to raise the profile of telephone helplines in our communities |
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Provide clear guidelines and standards to assist present and future telephone services. |
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Conduct training seminars and provide resources for telephone and internet based services. |
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Provide a national listing of helplines throughout Australia. Presently there are over 500 telephone and internet based services listed with Helplines Australia. |
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Provide a network for telephone and internet based services (including regular newsletters). |
Helpline Growth and trends since Helpline Australia Incorporated in 2002
Our History
In 1997 several helplines united in a forum to discuss issues relating to telephone counselling. Issues covered were:
Training and development of staff and volunteers.
Technological advances and its impact on helpline services.
Procedures for effective helpline management.
Following this forum, helpline representatives met regularly sharing knowledge and resources to assist in the development of helplines, telephone counselling and telehealth services throughout Australia.
The development of telephone and internet based services in Australia has grown immensely. Since 1997 the helpline sector has grown by almost 30%. The professionalism and accountability expected of these services have also increased. Helplines Australia was formed to cater for these growing demands and concerns.