Lifeline Queensland helping more people than ever
Lifeline Queensland crisis support centres are helping more people than ever before, with a 19 per cent increase in calls answered each day, compared with the same period last year.
The increase in calls represents the ongoing stress and uncertainty people are experiencing but it is a positive thing they are reaching out, said UnitingCare’s CEO, Craig Barke.
“Throughout August, across Queensland’s 10 Lifeline crisis support centres, our Queensland crisis supporters have answered, on average, 400 calls a day,” Mr Barke said.
“That's an average of 160 hours of support being provided to the community per day,” he said.
“And while we do not like to know so many people are doing it tough, we’re pleased to see people reaching out. Because by making that call, our crisis supporters can help them manage the challenges they are experiencing.”
Lifeline Queensland has more than 500 crisis supporters who provide free, confidential support to anyone who needs it. In recent times, they have received a noticeable increase of first-time callers, with themes of calls relating to dealing with lockdowns, home-schooling, employment uncertainty, inability to access their usual support systems of friends and family, financial stresses, isolation and loneliness.
“Lifeline Queensland is committed to ensuring our services continue as usual during these unsettling times, and our crisis supporters are currently working harder than ever to provide that service and support,” Mr Barke said.
“The reality is, though, with lockdowns impacting our retail operations, which directly fund our Lifeline crisis support services, and demand for the services higher than ever before, we’d welcome your support. To train each volunteer crisis supporter costs thousands, and while we already have over 500 crisis supporters in Queensland, we’re always wanting to train more volunteers to ensure we continue being there for every call.
“You can help keep our crisis support services accessible to anyone who ever needs it through a direct donation and by shopping at our retail stores and online shop.
“However, what is most important, is remember you’re never alone – and if you need help, Lifeline is here for you. You can call 13 11 14 and know that there will be someone on the other end of the phone who will listen and support with compassion and without judgement.
Anyone who needs someone to talk to at any time can reach out to Lifeline crisis support through:
• 24/7 Lifeline telephone support call 13 11 14
• Lifeline Text, 12pm to midnight (AEST)
• Lifeline Chat, 7pm to midnight (AEST)
UnitingCare delivers the 24-hour 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Support line through 10 Lifeline centres in Queensland – providing suicide prevention services with a non-judgmental and compassionate listening ear. It also provides Lifeline’s disaster recovery program, Community Recovery, and individual and group support services.
To help Queenslanders – and Lifeline – DONATE today.
For further information, please contact faith.jarvis@ucareqld.com.au or 0447 013 049.