Passionate discussions about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum have prompted Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley to ask people to be kind and considerate.
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The call comes after Aboriginal support service 13YARN reported a big increase in calls leading up to the referendum.
It said the number of callers reporting abuse, racism or trauma as the cause for their distress, during March to June this year, was more than double the same period last year.
Program manager Marjorie Anderson said many people were feeling "overwhelmed" during a debate that had featured many personal attacks.
"People are seeing more racism on social media, and that's having an impact on individuals, and with financial hardships and other things going on in people's lives it's easy to feel overwhelmed," she said.
Many said they just needed to vent in a place that was "culturally safe and without judgement", Ms Anderson said.
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Cr Findley has urged anyone struggling due to the discussions to reach out for support.
"I know from speaking to people in our community that conversations about the referendum is particularly personal to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who are the most impacted by the outcome," Cr Findley said.
"It's important to support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, regardless of our stance in the referendum.
"Let's maintain kindness and respect toward one another not only during this time, but always," she said.
While Shoalhaven Council supports the Yes vote at the referendum, it has reminded people of the support services available to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who feel like they need to talk to someone confidentially.
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They include:
- Healing Foundation: Dedicated organisation providing support and resources.
- eheadspace: Free online and telephone support and counselling to young people aged 12 to 25, as well as their families and friends, including fortnightly yarn circles.
- National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation: National leadership body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Australia.
- WellMob: Platform that brings together online resources created by and for our community.
- Centre for Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention: Australia's leading authority on Indigenous suicide prevention.
- 13Yarn: Free support line with confidential crisis support 24/7, run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- AIMhi-Y app (Android): New app to improve wellbeing for First Nations young people called the AIMhi for Youth.
- AIMhi-Y app (iOS): New app to improve wellbeing for First Nations young people called the AIMhi for Youth.
- Aboriginal Counselling: Counselling approaches are through the lenses of culture and community.
- Brother to Brother 24-hour crisis line: 1800 435 799
- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Qlife - anonymous and free LGBTI peer support (3 PM-Midnight every day): 1800 184 527
