In the face of this most extraordinary time in our lives I wanted to let you to know that Lifeline will be there, 24/7, seven days a week, for Australians in crisis and at risk of suicide.
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis we’re here.
Most State and Territory Governments have declared Lifeline as an essential service, so that we can continue to be there for everyone in the community who needs our help.
Many people have asked what they can do to help at this time. Please share my email with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. If you, or someone you care for is feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to Lifeline on the details below:
Call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Text 0477 13 11 14 (6pm – midnight AEDT, 7 nights)
Chat online here (7pm – midnight AEDT, 7 nights)
We know that connecting with each other saves lives. As calls for physical distancing and self-isolation increase, please create opportunities to connect with each other, especially with people you think may struggle through being alone.
Stay in touch with friends, neighbours and workmates. Text and email, but why not pick up the phone and talk – or yell out over the back fence!
Below and on our website are some tips for looking after your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those you care for:
Manage your exposure to media coverage as this can increase feelings of fear and anxiety. Be mindful of sources of information and ensure you are accessing good quality and accurate information. We have provided some links below.
Follow a “calm yet cautious” approach – do your best to remain calm and be mindful not to contribute to the widespread panic that can hinder efforts to positively manage the outbreak. Ensure you are following directives issued by the government, medical advice and observe good hygiene habits.
Show compassion and kindness to one another – these times of fear, isolation (both physical and social) and uncertainty are when it is most important that we strengthen our sense of community by connecting with and supporting each other. Remind ourselves that we can manage this much better together in solidarity, and that COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate – it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, nationality or ethnicity.
Actively manage your wellbeing by maintaining routines where possible, connect with family and friends (even if not in person), staying physically active, eating nutritious foods and seeking additional support by contacting Lifeline or further professional support as required.
Our response to COVID-19
Last week, Lifeline Australia marked 57 years of answering calls to ensure that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. We have been there to support Australians consistently and without judgement, no matter what challenge they face.
We know that it is through connection that lives are saved.
This summer showed that when Australians are in crisis, they turn to Lifeline for support. Since December 1, we received a 10-15% increase on calls compared to the year before. That’s a call every 30 seconds. Our volunteers and staff stepped up to ensure we were ready to answer the call then, and it will be no different now.
Just last week, 23% of people who contacted us wanted to talk about Coronavirus. We expect the calls to continue to increase as the community increasingly isolates.
Protecting volunteers and staff
Lifeline Australia is committed to ensuring we can respond to any person who reaches out to us.
Our teams are now working remotely or with safe distancing measures in place and we are working hard to ensure we’re able to deliver our life-saving support services remotely should further restrictive measures be put in place.
Our usual revenue raisers such as the famous Lifeline Book Fairs, pre-loved shops and events for the community have been indefinitely postponed ensuring the safety of our staff, volunteers and supporters. As such, many of the funding streams that keep Lifeline’s 13 11 14 phone line and other services running are under threat.
What you can do
Join our call to connect with neighbours. Share your creative ways to connect through social media. Tag us to let us know how you’re going @lifelineaustralia and encourage others to do the same.
And if you can, consider donating to Lifeline to help us ensure we can be there for every person who needs us. Visit: www.lifeline.org.au/donate
This is an uncertain time for everyone. Remember, that Lifeline is here for you – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please stay connected and thank you for your most generous support.
John Brogden
Chairman, Lifeline Australia
Editor's Notes: John Brogden, must be remembered as person who has has had up and downs, in politics and now he is head of the important Lifeline. I'm sure that John is 'saving lives'.
I would definately take his word seriously, with any message he sends!
"Further Editor's Notes: We encourage from you (our readers), any comments as feed back to improve this blogspot or providing important likes and or recommendations. We also encourage sharing this post to your friends and/or families, spreading this 'post' further into our wonderful world"
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