Kids Help Line has extended the availability of real-time web counselling to Saturdays between 10am - 4pm to cater for an expected increase in demand over the Christmas holiday period.

"Family togetherness and harmony is what lots of kids really want to talk about over Christmas and we are anticipating this year to be even more so," said Trevor Carlyon, Kids Help Line executive director.

"It's been a year of anxiety for lots of young Australians, not only within their own family environment, but with what they have seen happening in world events.

Young people may feel disorientated over the holidays as they are out of their usual school and activities routine, many spend time by themselves while their parents are working, or they may be anxious about family arrangements, particularly if their families are not together," said Trevor.

"With the support of our major partner Optus, webcounselling is even more available across Australia over the holidays with increased counsellors and extended hours," he added.

More young people are choosing to talk about issues online, with Kids Help Line experiencing a 50% increase in the number of requests for online counselling since the start of the year.

Trevor said this highlights how many young people prefer to communicate online, and Kids Help Line and Optus are working to accommodate this.

"We are thrilled that the support from Optus has significantly increased the number of young people who connect with counsellors," said Paul O'Sullivan, Optus Chief Operating Officer.

Web counselling was launched by Kids Help Line and Optus in 1999. The service is similar to a chat room except that the interaction is solely between the young person and the counsellor.

Kids Help Line provides free, professional counselling to young people aged between 5 to 18 years, 24 hours a day across the holiday period on free call 1800 55 1800.

Online counselling is available at www.kidshelponline.com.au

For more information:
Simone Bergholcs
Optus Corporate Affairs
Phone: 0412 206 602

Trevor Carlyon
Kids Help Line Executive Director
Phone: 0421 058 249 or 07 3369 1588