IN a wired world where instant messaging has replaced conversation and social networking sites feel like they've been around forever, it seemed natural to Toni Langford that the internet could be used to reach out to those in need.
Ms Langford describes herself as Sydney's first mobile counsellor, and has chalked up another milestone as the first southern Sydney-based member of Collective Support (www.collectivesupport.com.au), a website to help people battling depression and other life challenges.
It is designed to provide a support network for those needing help for depression, relationship problems, cancer, divorce, sexual assault, grief and domestic violence.
Miss Langford said the site was affordable, flexible and innovative.
"Collective Support offers people a confidential counselling service at times to suit them,'' she said. "It opens up counselling to a much broader demographic.''
Ms Langford said people who lost their counsellor because of physical limitations, such as moving or demanding work hours, could now keep them so long as they had access to a computer and web cam.
"It also adds the sort of anonymity that some people seek,'' she said. "There's no stigma about having to attend a counselling session when you are doing it via computer.''
Ms Langford said the site had the endorsement of the Australian Counsellors' Association, and had been widely applauded by charitable organisations across Australia. "They are looking to use it for victims of the Victorian bushfires who couldn't necessarily get face to face counselling,'' she said.
Details: 0414718338 or toni@tlcounselling.com.au
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