This month we are talking about the Beyond Blue Forums, an NSQDMH accredited, moderated peer support service for people to share their individual experiences with mental health within a digital platform.
In the digital age, Beyond Blue’s Forums are a valuable platform, providing people with a free, accessible, anonymous, welcoming place to discuss their mental wellbeing with those who understand because they have had or are having similar experiences. In the 23/24 financial year Beyond Blue’s Peer Support Forums saw over 19,000 posts published.
Who are Beyond Blue?
Beyond Blue offers free information on mental health, 24/7 phone and web counselling, mental health coaching and peer support forums for people seeking mental health resources and support for themselves or others. They cover topics including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, natural disasters, as well as young people, parenting, employment stress, LGBTIQA+ people and support people. Beyond Blue also provides easy-read information for First Nations People and translated resources.
About Beyond Blue Forums
The Beyond Blue Forums provide a space for people to read, share and learn from others with shared experiences. Users can access discussions on a range of topics relating to mental health issues and caring for themselves and others, such as;
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD and trauma
- Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
- Staying well
- Treatments, health professionals and therapies
- Relationship and family issues
- Supporting family and friends
- Long-term support over the journey
The Forums can also help people to connect and facilitate conversations about identity and culture. Including:
- Young people (12-25yrs)
- LGBTQI+ community
- Multicultural communities
- People dealing with grief and loss.
The forums are moderated by a team of trusted individuals to ensure all posts meet the Forum’s community guidelines for supportive, respectful, empowering, safe and friendly interactions.
Who are the Beyond Blue Forums for?
The Beyond Blue Forums are designed to support anyone living in Australia experiencing mental health concerns, going through a tough time, or supporting a partner, family member or friend.
How can Health Professionals use the Beyond Blue Forums?
Health professionals can refer clients to the Beyond Blue Forums if they think that their clients may benefit from engaging in peer support and learning about other people’s lived experiences. This may be particularly helpful for people who live in rural areas who may otherwise have limited access to mental health services and support networks.
Is there a cost to use the Beyond Blue Forums?
There is no cost to access or participate in the Beyond Blue Forums.
How to access the Beyond Blue Forums
The Beyond Blue Forums are available online at https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/.
The forums can be viewed by anyone at any time, however in order to post to a forum users must register with an email address, password, date of birth, Australian postcode and a display name.
Beyond Blur Forums Research and Evaluation
An evaluation of the impact of the Forums found 74% of users accessed one or more additional supports, 73% of users indicated they made one or more lifestyle change as a result of using the Forums, and 64% of users reported feeling significantly or moderately less alone.
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