Lifeline, Australia's leading suicide prevention service, has experienced a massive spike in calls due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting it to launch a national emergency appeal this week.
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In March, Lifeline answered almost 90,000 calls for help, an increase of 25 per cent over the same time last year - equating to one call every 30 seconds.
It was a similar story in the Hunter. Crisis calls to the Hunter service have been up by as much as 50 per cent recently, a jump from 23 per cent in the earlier weeks of the pandemic.
The Lifeline campaign - 'You've Got 30 Seconds To Save A Life' - comes at a time when Australians grapple with COVID-19 on the back of the summer's bushfire devastation.
To meet the crisis, Julie Wicks, regional general manager for Hunter New England and Central Coast, said face to face service in the Hunter has had to adapt to become a telehealth service so that Lifeline may continue people's needs.
"We are proud of our efforts to adapt and meet community needs," she said.
"I would to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our face to face counselling and 13 11 14 crisis support volunteers for your generosity in giving your time to ensure that our community have a connection to someone who cares, listens and supports."
Now, as the service braces for continued increases, Lifeline chairman John Brogden is calling for donations to help save lives.
His calling for donations from those who can, to help save lives.
" 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," he said.
"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.
"Funds raised through the campaign will support Lifeline's 40 centres.
"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."
Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days), Text to 0477 13 11 14 (6pm - midnight, 7 nights) or chat to us online at www.lifeline.org.au (7pm - midnight, 7 nights).