New support line for FIFO workers and families
Fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers seeking confidential alcohol and drug support can now access a telephone helpline to provide assistance and advice.
The Working Away Alcohol and Drug Support Line is a free counselling service offering support and referral 24 hours a day, seven days a week to both FIFO workers and their families.
Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said working away from home can increase the risk of alcohol and other drug-related problems and mental illness.
“The new telephone counselling support service is an important step in reducing the impact working away can have on someone’s alcohol and drug use due to social isolation, family and relationship stress and a lack of venues for socialising without alcohol,” Morton said.
“Using drugs and alcohol, plus having a mental illness, can increase the risk of suicide. The profile of an average FIFO worker mirrors a demographic at high risk of suicide — males aged between 15 and 44.
“Providing a support service for FIFO workers and others working away from home is an important element in helping people facing these problems.”
The Mental Health Commission, which recently merged with the Drug and Alcohol Office, has worked with industry to develop and implement the telephone and online service.
“I encourage workers and their families to access the new support line and use the expert advice to help them address any drug and alcohol issues they may have,” Morton said.
“Coinciding with the launch of the new helpline, the WA Alcohol and Drug Information Service and the Parent Drug Information Service have both been renamed.
“These important helplines are now called the Alcohol and Drug Support Line, and Parent and Family Drug Support Line to better reflect the nature of these counselling services.”
Drug and alcohol support
- Working Away Alcohol and Drug Support Line on 1800 721 997 or workingaway@mhc.wa.gov.au
- Alcohol and Drug Support Line on (08) 9442 5000 or country callers can call toll free on 1800 198 024
- Parent and Family Drug Support Line on (08) 9442 5000 or country callers can call toll free on 1800 653 203
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