• Shop
  • My Account
  • Cart
  • Checkout

Hands-On-Health Australia

Providing volunteer allied and complementary healthcare to people in need in our community

Call us
to join
+613 9417 6787
admin@hoha.org.au
  • Home
  • Donate
    • Make a Donation
    • Hands-on Helper Monthly Giving
  • HoHA’s Impact
    • Video series
    • Indigenous Programmes
      • Fitzroy All-Stars
      • Kempsey
      • NSW Rugby League Carnival
      • Naidoc Family Sports Day
      • NAIDOC Sports Carnival Victoria
    • International
      • India
      • Philippines
      • Timor-Leste
      • Cambodia
    • Emergency Response
  • Join Us
    • Become a Member
      • Shop
      • Terms & Conditions
    • Student Placements
      • Student Placements in Australia
      • Global Community Health Exchange Programs
    • Volunteer
  • Clinics
  • Membership
  • Partners
    • Educational Partners
    • Partner Organisations
  • About Us
    • Mission & Vision
    • Patrons
    • Board
    • Management
    • Volunteers
    • Research & Articles
    • History
    • Blog
  • Contact

HELP NEEDED FOR DISADVANTAGED AT ALL-TIME HIGH

17/02/2021 by Franca Smarrelli

The 60-year peak in Lifeline calls last weekend, the third highest in their history, is reflected in the needs of the escalating number of disadvantaged people in Victoria.

Hands on Health Australia (HoHA) Chief Executive Officer, Franca Smarrelli, said today Lifeline’s figures mirrored those of their operations.  Lifeline – Australia’s leading suicide prevention service – reported that there was a 22 per cent increase in calls from Victoria last week over the same period last year, with almost 90,000 calls (one every 30 seconds) being received nationally.

“The stress and anxiety of the disadvantaged, including indigenous, CALD and LGBQTI communities are at an ‘all-time high’,” said Ms Smarrelli.  “We should not underestimate how vulnerable people are feeling now. The knock-on effects on their mental and physical health are compounded by their feelings of isolation and loneliness.  We welcome the initiatives that governments are doing on mental health, but we deliver more than 90,000 treatments per annum to 25,000+ clients with no Federal or State government help. There needs to be greater equity in the system because the calls for help are increasing day-by-day.”

Ms Smarrelli said HoHA’s on-line services were being ‘stretched to the limit’ in trying to cater for the physical and mental health needs of the disadvantaged in their six (6) clinics throughout Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula.  The clinics have been in lock-down for more than nine (9) months because of health restrictions.

“We were just about to reopen them when the latest lock-down was announced.  We are now pleased the government has lifted the restrictions so we can get back to helping these ‘forgotten people ‘and to ensure their needs are not diminished” she said.

Disadvantaged people in need of help can call HoHA’s Head Office support line on: 03) 9417 6787

Filed Under: Uncategorised

About Franca Smarrelli

Hands On Health Membership

Become a Member of the Friends of Hands on Health Australia

Join an International community of people who strive to make a difference to people’s lives – people who are marginalised or disadvantaged by poverty or other circumstances.
Chose from Standard, Clinic and Corporate Memberships

JOIN HERE

Become a Volunteer with Hands on Health Australia

HoHA has around 500 volunteer therapists, clinic managers, reception staff, management, academic advisors and good-hearted helpers. Our volunteers donate their time to deliver around 10,000 complementary health treatments per year. Please contact us and we are happy to work with your busy schedule.

CONTACT US

Recent Posts

  • Major capital appeal for first Aboriginal Women and Girls’ Sports and Wellness Centre
  • Community Clinic is Open
  • Mackay Community Chiropractic Clinic
  • Alby Clarke Scholarship Fundraiser
  • Fitzroy Stars Grant Approval Announcement & Sod Turning

Hands On Health Australia

Principal Partner

HoHA has around 500 volunteer therapists, practitioners, clinic managers, reception staff, academic advisors, and good-hearted helpers.

Our volunteers donate their time to deliver around 60-70,000 health treatments per annum.

Contact us to find out how you can become involved with our Community Clinics services.

We also have 9 volunteer community clinics in Australia and 2 international treatment and training programs.

HoHA is a not-for-profit organisation funded by the community. Any donations are greatly appreciated.

  • Privacy – Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2023 — Hands-On-Health Australia • All rights reserved.