YOUNG people in Logan are more likely to seek help for suicide-related concerns than most in Australia, according to the latest Kids Helpline figures.
The charity’s data, based on counselling calls made during 2024, shows 29% of all 600 or so local contacts involved suicide concerns.
In Queensland, that figure was 20%. Australia-wide, it was about 16%.
“We have across the board seen a bit of a spike in the last 12 months in relation to suicide related contacts,” Kids Helpline’s virtual service manager Tony FitzGerald said.
“And whilst on the face of it, it might sound very concerning and serious, we also have to look at the other side of the equation. We know that that means more young people are reaching out for help when they identify that they need it.
“The important thing to remember is that we want to make sure as a service that we’re there to answer their call when they do reach out.”
There are a multitude of potential reasons for Logan’s higher-than-average figures, according to Mr FitzGerald, including that local children are more aware of the help available, or that they are more exposed to impacts like cost of living and bullying.
Over the last six years, there were a minimum 4700 calls made to Kids Helpline, which is open 24/7, from Logan residents aged 5-25.
During Covid, those numbers peaked. But Mr FitzGerald said they typically sit at around 600 calls a year from local young people.
He said Logan also stood out against the average in the number of callers who identified as coming from a culturally or linguistically diverse background.
“We know that Logan City is a very multicultural city, so that is reflective. But it’s also a real positive that we’ve got young people who are from different cultural backgrounds who are identifying the need to reach out for support.”
The charity recently held a donation drive to raise funds for its counselling sessions provided freely to young people.
A donation of $55 gives a counselling session to one child in need; $110 supports a young person through two or more critical moments; and $550 supports a full day of critical responses, supporting multiple children and young people.
Donations can be made via kidshelpline.com.au.
Those needing support can contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
