With the COVID-19 pandemic still impacting much of Australia, and millions of Victorians being in lockdown, there needs to be a much more significant mental health support package announced and put in place urgently.

As Victorians struggled past 200 cumulative days in lockdown last month, Lifeline Australia revealed that their four busiest days all occurred in August of 2021.

“We’ve seen demand grow 20 per cent since 2019 and it continues to ramp up. Six of Lifeline’s 10 busiest days on record have occurred just this month," explains Lifeline Australia Chair John Brogden.

There have been some announcements throughout the pandemic from Victorian Minister for Mental Health, The Hon. James Merlino MP - but as Victorians continue to feel the impacts of COVID-19, there haven't been any significant announcements or increases to support that are effective immediately.

Please, Daniel Andrews. Please, James Merlino: Our young Victorian populations are struggling now more than ever before, and our services need to match the demand. Less young people attending hospital for self-harm emergencies, and more preventative care.