The growing complexity of youth mental health challenges and lack of funding is behind the struggle to help kids with problems, according to those behind Kids Helpline.

The mental health line received almost 385,000 calls last year, with only 145,000 being responded to.

Yourtown CEO Tracy Adams said the organisation behind the helpline is doing the best they can with the funding they have.

“We have to do better, and we make no apologies for that. We continue to engage with government and corporations with encouragement on what’s needed to invest to make sure that we’re there when children need us,” Ms Adams said.

Press PLAY to hear more about the desperate situation faced by Kids Helpline