For many people, the holiday season is a time to connect with friends and family, to celebrate and enjoy, but for those without a loving table to sit at or family to call and wish season’s greetings, it can be a very difficult time. This time of year makes some people feel more alone than ever.
Lifeline is there 24/7 via phone (13 11 14), text (0477 13 11 14) or through their self-led support toolkits available here, but they are currently calling for help to fund this vital service, so they can answer more calls this Christmas.
Lifeline is reaching out to our Northern NSW community as they head into a historically busy period for their crisis services. Call demand has been on the rise this year with the increase in financial pressure hitting people hard.
Lifeline expects this to continue as they head into the holiday season which can add additional stress, worry and a sense of anxiousness for many in our community.
Hope and connection
Michael Were, General Manager Lifeline Northern NSW, says ‘Lifeline offers hope and connection for people who reach out for help.
‘Through our 13 11 14 service we offer a listening ear and meet people at a time when they are experiencing crisis and emotionally challenging feelings.
‘It costs Lifeline $39 to answer each call to 13 11 14. Every call we answer could be the one that saves someone’s life and helps them get through their darkest moment. Our crisis supporters sit alongside callers and help them work through their pain and if needed we support them to create a safety plan to help keep them safe.
‘In December last year, 6,000 safely plans were created to support those reaching out for help,’ said Mr Were.
‘Answering calls takes a special person and we will have hundreds of crisis supporters giving up their time to help answer calls over the Christmas and New Year period, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
‘Donations to Lifeline Northern NSW will support our services and help those who are feeling overwhelmed, lonely or having a hard time to stay safe during the holiday season,’ he said. ‘Your support will make a difference in our local community.’
One call every 35 seconds
Lifeline’s crisis supporters answered over 75,500 calls in December last year, almost 3,000 calls were answered on the 25th December alone – that is one call every 35 seconds.
‘We want to answer every call for help this Christmas and we believe the Northern NSW community can help us reach this goal,’ said Michael Were.
‘Donations to Lifeline Northern NSW will answer someone’s call for help, allow them to feel a sense of connection and be met in their darkest moment, because no one should feel like they have no one to talk to, and that’s why Lifeline is here,’ he said.
Lifeline Northern NSW is taking donations for their Gift of Connection campaign in the hope of raising $10,000 by the end of the year. Volunteers at Lifeline Northern NSW are part of a national team of more than 4,000 crisis supporters who respond to more than one million calls annually.
Numbers and contacts
Nine Australians die every day by suicide and more than 65,000 attempt suicide each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44.
Lifeline celebrated its 60th anniversary in March this year.
You can donate here or call to donate: 1300 152 854 (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm)
For more information about local services or ways to support or donate to Lifeline visit northernnsw.lifeline.org.au. For 24-hour Lifeline support phone 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 or chat via www.lifeline.org.au.
