A new Ice Help Line has been established to support families and ice users in Victoria.

The Labor Government announced the hotline on Wednesday saying it would direct users and families to treatment and support services, and provide information about ice and how it affects the community.

The service will be free to call from landlines, and also provide important clinical advice to health professionals working with ice users.

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This comes as federal and state governments are working to stamp out the ice crisis that has taken hold of communities across Australia.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott launched a National Ice Taskforce in April, which will develop a national ice action strategy to tackle the growing and deadly epidemic, with an interim report to be delivered to the PM by the middle of the year.

On Wednesday, Victorian Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said the Help Line was part of the Andrews government’s $45.5 million Ice Action Plan.

“The ice advice line will give users the treatment they need and families the support they deserve,” Mr Foley said.

“People in rural and regional Victoria are suffering disproportionately from the effects of this vicious drug.

“Through the Help Line, we’re making it easier for families to get advice and easier for their loved ones to get treatment.”

The service will be free to call from landlines, and also provide important clinical advice to health professionals working with ice users.

Turning Point will operate this 24/7 Help Line, drawing upon its extensive experience in providing phone-based support.

The Help Line works with the ice website, which provides updates on efforts to stop ice on the streets and at the source, information on treatment services and how the community can get involved in tackling the drug.

Tenders are now open with the Department of Health and Human Services for the development and delivery of the government’s new Family Drug Education Program.

The program will provide support for at least 1000 Victorians per year as part of $4.7 million allocated to support families affected by a loved one’s drug use.

It will help families to recognise when someone has a drug problem and what to do.

You can access the Help Line by phoning 1800 ICE ADVICE (1800 423 238), or visit the website www.ice.vic.gov.au.