Often people who use have underlying issues that they are trying to cope with. 13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
13YARN offers a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 13YARN empowers our community with the opportunity to yarn without judgement and provide a culturally safe space to speak about their needs, worries or concerns.
This webinar explored:
1. How the line was co-designed using Lifeline expertise with several Aboriginal mental health professionals including NACCHO, Black Dog Institute Aboriginal Lived Experience team, and the Centre for Excellence in Suicide Prevention along with input from Torres Strait Islander, remote, regional, and urban peoples with lived experience.
2. The ways that13YARN works to explore options for ongoing support and so community members will always be reassured they will be connected to another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who will understand where they are coming from and value knowing HOW to listen, without judgement or shame.
This 1-hour free webinar was held on Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at 12pm Sydney time and be presented by Aunty Marjorie Anderson and Jia Natty. This webinar is relevant for health workers, people who use family and community members.
About the presenters:
Aunty Marjorie Anderson is an Aboriginal woman born and raised in Redfern, her mob is from northern NSW. Before joining Lifeline Australia and codesigning and delivering 13YARN Aunty Marj worked at the Aboriginal Housing Office in a number of executive roles including Principle Project Manager, Acting Manager Program Management, Regional Manager Northern Region, Director Housing and most recently Director Sector Investment and Development. Prior to working at the Aboriginal Housing Office, Aunty Marj has worked at Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Department of Juvenile Justice, Tourism NSW, The Olympic Coordination Authority and the ABC. Aunty Marj is passionate about building resilient sustainable communities. Aunty Marjorie is the current NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year.
Jia Natty is a Kamilaroi man from Northwest NSW and digital media co-ordinator from 13 YARN. Jia’s focus is to reach out to people through social media and digital assets to promote 13YARN and let people know about resources to support their social and emotional wellbeing.