(Source: Vika Kuboutawa / Facebook)

ARUKA Fiji and the Fiji Cancer Society have launched a new grief and loss support helpline.

Inoke Drauna, founder of ARUKA Fiji, says the limited number of counselors available in Fiji makes it difficult to provide clients with a sustained, personalized service.

He says that is why they set up the 1528 helpline.

Drauna says ARUKA Fiji has identified that widows, widowers and abandoned teenagers now living on the streets need mental health professionals in times of despair, loss and fear.

He says the Fiji Cancer Society knows only too well that cancer patients and their families also need professional psychosocial support to address the needs arising from loss and grief.

Drauna says that through this collaboration, both parties want to play an important role in helping people in need.