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Bondi Terror Attack resource: Lifeline has developed a specific Wellbeing Guide on the online Support Toolkit.
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The guide has information on common trauma responses, supporting children and young people, techniques, strategies and other resources to help people cope and find ways to get further support.
As people all over Australia prepare for the upcoming holiday season, Lifeline is reminding anyone who finds this time challenging that they are not alone.
While many people look forward to this time of year as one of joy, celebration and togetherness, for others it can be a period marked by loneliness, stress and complex emotions as high expectations and additional commitments converge.
Lifeline Chief Executive Officer Graham Strong said the leading national crisis support and suicide prevention organisation is well-equipped to respond to a significant increase in demand, with forecasts of a peak between 31st December and 2nd January.
“Many people feel pressure to have a happy, social holiday season, and this can intensify emotional distress and leave people feeling overwhelmed,” said Mr Strong.
“The recent tragic Bondi terror attack has raised levels of distress across the country, and we are already seeing a surge in demand for Lifeline’s crisis support and suicide prevention services.”
We are expecting this to compound with money worries, conflict and other personal challenges, so we have scaled up services beyond original forecasts to make sure we can be there for anyone who needs it during what is already Lifeline’s busiest time of the year”, said Mr Strong.
Lifeline Australia’s Chief Research Officer, Dr Anna Brooks, said that the holiday period can also heighten a sense of disconnection from others.
“While help seekers may not necessarily recognise what they are experiencing as ‘feeling lonely’, so many conversations our Crisis Supporters have with people needing support reveal a sense of isolation and disconnection,” said Dr Brooks.
“That’s why it’s crucial Lifeline is always there to offer connection and support to anyone who needs it.”
Lifeline CEO Graham Strong said that no matter the reason for seeking help, Lifeline is committed to supporting anyone who is looking for safety, hope and connection when they need it most this holiday season and beyond.
“Our incredible Crisis Supporters and teams on the ground work tirelessly to keep up with demand for our phone, digital and other support services. The power of connection means one call can really change everything,” said Mr. Strong.
“So, whether it’s 3 am on Christmas Day or 11pm on New Year’s Eve, know that Lifeline will be ready to listen to you through our 24/7 phone and digital services. We want to remind everyone out there that nobody needs to face their toughest moments alone.”
HELP IS AVAILABLE
Lifeline has developed an evidence-informed Holiday Support Guide which offers understanding, support and practical tips to get through the weeks ahead as healthily as possible.
If you, or someone you know are feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to connect with Lifeline in the way you feel most comfortable.
You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, or chat to Lifeline online (all services are available 24/7).
If you’re struggling to know where to turn, Lifeline’s Support Toolkit at lifeline.org.au/toolkit can help you find the right support at the right time.
For Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander peoples: If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, you can connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
To donate to Lifeline, visit www.lifeline.org.au/donate.
About us:
ABOUT LIFELINE
For over 60 years, Lifeline has been connecting with Australians, offering free and confidential one-to-one crisis support for people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Trained Crisis Supporter s listen without judgement 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As well as operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 43 Centres around the nation, the organisation also delivers 24/7 crisis text, webchat and a Support Toolkit. Lifeline expects to respond to over 1.4 million requests for support this year, creating an average of 120 safety plans a day to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe.
Contact details:
[email protected] 0450 539 112