Our Services

We offer a listening ear to all members of the community when they are troubled or lonely or need someone to talk to. We are here for you, for the cost of a local phone call.

• a not for profit incorporated entity.

• a registered charity with ACNC.

• endorsed with DGR status.

• comprised of a team of volunteers, a management committee and a professional advisory panel.

• funded by grants and donations from the public.

Our Awards

Staffed by volunteers from all over the Sydney Metro area, our organisation is highly successful, receiving awards such as:

• The prestigious Australia Day Community Service Award in 1992

• Acknowledgement from the NSW Government's Ministry for Women in 1995 for contribution to social research

• More recently Volunteer Team of the Year Award - Sydney North region in 2019 and 2016.

Our History

We began as Dial-A-Mum, founded in 1979 by Dr Paul Finlayson, a psychiatrist in Hornsby NSW, and his wife, Wendy Finlayson. Originally, the service was staffed by Mothercraft nurses.

The Dial-A-Mum confidential helpline service was highly successful and was registered as a charity in 1980. Over time we became a helpline for all members of the community.

In 2019, after 40 years of service as Dial-a-Mum, it was decided to change the name of our organisation to Listening Ear to better reflect the service that we offer to the community.

Vision

Our vision is for a society where there is always someone who will listen without judgement.

Mission

Our mission is to listen to and support members of the community when they are troubled or lonely by providing a caring and non-judgmental telephone helpline.