Council backs roll-out of new online crisis care and support resource

16 Jan 2024 |

16 January 2024

Southern Downs Regional Council has partnered with Support Finder and the Queensland Police Service to provide details to those individual and families who become vulnerable members of our community through circumstances that require early intervention crisis care and support like mental health, domestic violence, trauma, anxiety and depression.


Finding the best emotional and practical support under traumatic or stressful situations can be very difficult. By employing easy to use filters, the Support Finder website can connect a person in need to a support service within 15 to 45 seconds.

Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi was pleased to support the well-being initiative, saying Support Finder offered a lifeline with quick and easy access to an extensive range of support services in trying times.

“Offering accessible and effective 24/7 care and support services in a regional community is vital for the well-being of our residents,” Mayor Vic Pennisi said.

“Getting the right support at the right time is crucial and Council is committed to providing greater access to effective national, state and regional support services to our community.

“The Support Finder website is a ground-breaking initiative that offers a one-stop database where residents can access information about available support services to address individual challenges that are specific to them, whether it be domestic violence, mental health, trauma or bullying.

“Support Finder cards and stickers will be rolled out in central community locations such as hospitals, medical centres, schools, libraries and even our Visitor Information Centres across the Southern Downs.

Support Finder founder Denny Edwards said help is only a click away through the online platform.

“Research indicates that timely, effective and easily accessible supportive care resources are critical to those affected by emotional and psychological triggers. Unfortunately, research also indicates if triggers are not addressed, negative behaviours and outcomes can potential escalate,” Mr Edwards said.

“This particularly applies to needs associated with emotional and psychological challenges arising from mental health, anxiety, depression, abuse and suicide ideation, domestic violence, trauma.

“Since 2017, Support Finder has provided persons in need with a variety of direct contacts when they have needed it most.”

Information about Support Finder will be circulated in the Southern Downs community via five thousand Support Finder cards and hundreds of stickers with a QR code that links to an online search engine at www.supportfinder.org.au.

Please visit www.supportfinder.org.au for more information.


Last edited date 18 Mar 2024