Lifeline calls on State Government for $3.5 million to help crisis support

Australia’s biggest suicide prevention service has launched a desperate plea for help as they deal with a record number of calls during the coronavirus pandemic.

AUSTRALIA’S biggest suicide prevention service has called on the Queensland Government to push $3.5 million into its crisis support line as they deal with a record number of calls during the coronavirus pandemic.

A Lifeline spokesman said its 13 11 14 support line was “fielding an unprecedented volume of calls at the moment, and we’re struggling to answer the phone to everyone”.

“Our call volumes are up 30-40 per cent due to the personal and mental health impacts of the COVID-19 crisis,” he said.

“People are really struggling.”

The spokesman said Lifeline desperately needed a $3.5 million funding package from the Queensland Government to ensure the crisis-support line was “not only able to weather the absence of revenue from Lifeline retail stores but to service the increased public call volumes.”

“We know our 13 11 14 support line saves lives which is why this additional funding is so urgent,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the office of the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the “Queensland Government is continuing discussions with Lifeline regarding its request for support.”

The Lifeline spokesman said COVID-19 had also impacted the service’s volunteer capacity as “many volunteers are from older age brackets who are rightly being encouraged to stay at home”.

“In light of this we’re working to attract a younger demographic of volunteers at the moment to support our organisation through COVID-19.

Lifeline launched the campaign called ‘You’ve Got 30 Seconds to Save A Life’ today in the hope of raising up to $5 million to keep their 40 centres around the country alive.

Almost 90,000 calls for help were answered last month, an increase of 25 per cent compared to the same time last year, equating to one call every 30 seconds.

Lifeline Australia chairman John Brogden said more funding was required to fill the gap caused by COVID-19 and its impact on traditional fundraising.

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“We are appealing to all Australians to help Lifeline. Help Lifeline help Australians in crisis,” he said.

“COVID-19 has reduced the fundraising revenue for our centres across the country.

“With the closure of our 250 retail stores and the cancellation of mental health community training programs, book fairs, fundraising dinners and other events, we need to raise $5 million to fill the gap left by COVID 19.

“At the same time, we are seeing our revenue drop, the pressure on our services is growing. We are experiencing the highest ever calls in our 57-year history and the longer the lockdown lasts, the more people will become anxious and lonely.

Lifeline chairman John Brogden.

“We have 40 centres, half of which are in rural and remote locations across the nation. They provide important mental health education, face-to-face counselling and therapeutic groups for people at-risk, or bereaved, by suicide.

“Our centres are directly supporting thousands of people in the community every day. It is crucial that we keep these services operating.”

The launch of the appeal also follows calls from Lifeline and Beyond Blue as well as director of medical services at Belmont Private Hospital, Dr Mark Spelman, last month encouraging people to make their mental health a priority during COVID-19.

“Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children,” he said.

“During this time, taking care of your mental health is just as imperative as monitoring your physical health.

“People with pre-existing mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms.

“Coping with stress effectively will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.”

One of Lifeline's volunteers in action.

Mr Brogden said the fundraising appeal could not be more urgent as they deal with increased pressure in recent weeks.

“In the last three weeks, the number of callers who contacted Lifeline and wanted to talk about COVID-19 has jumped from 23 per cent to over 50 per cent,” he said.

“We expect this to continue to rise as the impact of business closures, social isolation, health concerns and financial stress continue to take a toll on Australians’ mental health. We must ensure our service is here for Australians through COVID-19 and beyond.”

To donate to the appeal, visit fundraise.lifeline.org.au/emergency-appeal.

If you need help, visit lifeline.org.au or call 13 11 14.