Lifeline are expecting over 125,000 connections with their service over December through their 13 11 14 phone, text and webchat services. With various factors such as loneliness, financial pressure and relationships coming together at this time of year, distress levels can rise and naturally it becomes a particularly busy time for Australia’s largest crisis support and suicide prevention organisation.
Lifeline are calling out to the community for support over this period. It costs $39 to answer each call - and donations help to cover this to support people through challenging times. For some, Lifeline represents one of the few if not only, connections they can access at a time when others are surrounded by friends and family.
Recently appointed as the new Chief Executive of Lifeline Direct, Luke Lindsay brings a wealth of experience as a health executive and mental health clinician, coupled with a deep commitment to person-centred care. Under his leadership, Luke will support the operations of Lifeline Hunter and is confident the positive impact for community will continue to grow.
Mr Lindsay says “The holiday season can feel like a perfect storm of loneliness and expectations for many. For some, it’s unbearable to face alone. But, it’s easier to find hope when you have someone to talk to, and for many Lifeline is who they reach to for this support”.
With the generosity of community, Lifeline can continue to offer a free service that is accessible 24/7 for whoever may need it. Every call, text, or chat is answered by a trained crisis supporter and provides someone with the connection they need in their darkest moments.
Mr Lindsay shared “Right now, Lifeline is experiencing unprecedented demand for our services. On October 7th alone, we recorded the highest number of daily calls ever—4,405 people reached out for help. Donations help ensure that our support lines stay open 24/7, so no one has to face their struggles alone”.
“This Christmas, I’m asking for your help. Your financial gift will allow us to continue offering vital services and human-to-human connections when people need it the most” said Lindsay.
Donations to Lifeline Hunter allow more crisis supporters to be trained and supported to answer calls from right here in the Hunter region, they are then able to help meet the national demand for the service. Luke says, “There are 43 centres around Australia with volunteers who help answer calls to 13 11 14. This is a national issue and we all have a part to play to help make a difference to those who need us. We are proud to have a centre in Newcastle”.
Lifeline has reported eight of the 10 busiest days on record for the service have been reached in 2024, with the latest recorded on 7 October with 4,405 connections in a single day. They have already reached 1.25 million connections this year and expect to reach 1.4 by the end of December. In the Hunter region Lifeline also offers a free counselling service which is available to the community face-to-face or via telehealth, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Donations to the service can be made at hunter.lifeline.org.au
You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, chat to Lifeline online or access the Support Toolkit to self-manage what you’re going through at www.lifeline.org.au (all services are available 24/7).
About us:
ABOUT LIFELINE
For over 60 years, Lifeline has been connecting with Australians in need through crisis support and suicide prevention services, operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 43 centres around the nation as well as a 24/7 crisis text, webchat service and Support Toolkit.
The organisation expects to respond to over 1.4 million requests for support this year, creating an average of 120 safety plans to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe every day.
Contact details:
Emma Askew, Head of Marketing and Communications
[email protected] / 0422 912 742
