A counselling service that is free, confidential and mobile has become available in the municipalities of Ballarat, Hepburn, Moorabool and Golden Plains.

Counsellors Belinda Lees and Kevin Luttrell are happy to travel anywhere within the region and meet people in their homes, cafes, hotels, adjoining towns or Child and Family Services offices.

The service is available to all people affected by the drought, not just farmers.

For example, drought-affected people include farmers, their partners, children, students, small business owners, farm workers, and anyone who can't afford water.

Clients may come forward with issues such as stress, depression, confusion, hopelessness, helplessness, fear, guilt, mood changes, isolation, substance abuse, over or under-eating, sleeping difficulties, family conflicts and family

violence.

Counsellors will help them with these issues or when necessary and, with the agreement of the client, then refer them to other services.

The Victorian Government, through the Department of Human Services, is funding the service as part of the Tackling Mental Health Drought Strategy.

The two counsellors, who specialise in rural counselling, were appointed two weeks ago and have had many inquiries since.

In addition to speaking with people on a one-on-one basis, the counsellors are willing to speak to groups, such as Country Womens Association, police, church organisations, Victorian Farmers Federation and fire brigades.

As one of the first activities of the service, a workshop for men will be held on Wednesday, February 21 from 1pm till 3pm at Child and Family Services.

*Belinda Lees and Kevin Luttrell, who are based at Ludbrook House, 115 Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat, can be contacted on 5337 3333 or on 0407 860 345 (Belinda) or 0407 860 356 (Kevin).