eFriend is a FREE service that allows people who are feeling low, lonely or isolated to access virtual peer support sessions via video or phone call. Our peer workers can offer insight, provide hope, and empathise from their own lived experience – whether you’re looking for support or just want someone to chat to.
| How it works How ICLA’s eFriend team can assist you. |
eFriend offers virtual peer support sessions - choose from phone call or video call.
After the introductory call, each session is held with the same eFriend peer, so you won't have to re-tell your story each time.
eFriend sessions are 30 minutes each, and are usually scheduled weekly offering a safe space for you to connect with your eFriend peer. (You can also choose to schedule your sessions fortnightly or monthly)
Our eFriend peers are there to listen. We do not provide crisis support, counselling or mental health treatment.
We can act as a sounding board, talk through ideas and concerns that you have, validate your experiences, and share our own.
Read our full list of FAQs for more information.
| What is a peer worker? And why are they important to our eFriend program? |
An eFriend Peer is a ‘Peer Support Worker’ – which is someone employed on the basis of their personal lived experience of struggling with their mental health and navigating recovery.
This lived experience is an essential qualification for their job, in addition to other skills and experience required for the Peer role. This includes training in Trauma Informed Care, Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Intentional Peer Support and Safe Storytelling.
| Who's eligible? And how to participate. |
If you are in immediate crisis or having thoughts of suicide please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or emergency services on 000. eFriend is not a crisis line and cannot be accessed 24/7. eFriend is for you if you are:
Living in Australia
Aged 18 years and over.
Feeling low, lonely, stressed or isolated, and would like someone to talk to.
Feeling down about the current state of the world right now.
Feeling stressed about your circumstances and worried about your future.
Feeling isolated due to Covid-19 or other illnesses and want to share your experiences and worries with someone.
Experiencing limited mobility, making it difficult to get out into the community and socialise.
Read our full list of FAQs for more information.
| Book a session And find out if eFriend is suitable for you. |
| Referrals and Resources Learn more with our guides and further information. |
| Provide Feedback Leave us suggestions, compliments or complaints |
