Ever told a taxi driver your life story? You’re not alone. Passengers quite often share their feelings with taxi drivers, and now Cessnock cabbies have something to offer people who may need help.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fifteen local taxis now carry cards that contain the phone numbers of several vital help services, including Lifeline; police, fire and ambulance; Kids Help Line, Mensline Australia, Suicide Call Back Service, Awabakal Medical Service, Gambling Help Line, the Drug and Alcohol Information Service and Cessnock Hospital.
The brainchild of Maitland Regional Suicide Prevention Network chairperson Steve Schumacher, the initiative was introduced to taxis in Maitland in January and has been well-received.
“There’s plenty of help available – it’s about raising awareness and getting people to that help,” Mr. Schumacher said.
“Cabbies are not counsellors, but they are in the front line in the work that they do – people talk to them about their problems.
“If these cards can help one person, it will be worth it.”
***
Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14.
