Lifeline Central Coast has launched its Challenge Yourself for Mental Health campaign to raise funds for its local suicide prevention services.
The organisation is asking Coasties to challenge themselves during October – Mental Health Month – raising money to help Lifeline crisis supporters support local people overcome their mental health challenges at the same time.
Lifeline services manager, Kelly Gavine said people can set their own challenge to better their mental health.
By taking up something new, changing a habit or doing more of something enjoyable people can also make sure a Lifeline crisis supporter is there to answer someone’s call to its 13 11 14 service, she said.
Funds raised will also support Lifeline’s free local face to face and telehealth counselling service.
She said Lifeline continues to support a record number of people to navigate their mental health challenges, including challenges brought on by floods and the COVID 19 pandemic.
“This is an opportunity to challenge yourself to achieve better physical health or mental health and help others overcome their mental health challenges,” Gavine said.
Lifeline is facing its own challenges in responding to record demand for its services.
“Many people don’t realise that local Lifeline centres rely on community donations and fundraising to keep its services running,” Gavine said.
“It costs us $3,500 to train and support each crisis supporter; each call to Lifeline costs around $39.
“We don’t want people to suffer in silence; we’re here to listen without judgement and to offer hope to every person who needs us.”
Sally Markham has just finished her crisis supporter training and started shifts on the 13 11 14 service.
The 21-year-old from Narara has a Bachelor of Psychology degree.
She said volunteering for Lifeline is giving her valuable and rewarding experience as she supports other people in need.
“Lifeline helps people by listening; by being there,” Markham said.
“As we are anonymous and our service is confidential, people can open up.
“Many people tell me things that they haven’t been able to tell anyone else.
“We don’t jump in to solve people’s problems or tell them what to do.
“We give them hope and support to look past their current crisis.
“The Lifeline training and my work on 13 11 14 has given me new skills for other parts of my life, especially listening to people and not judging others.
“Every shift I learn something different about people and the world.”
Markham and the region’s 49 other crisis supporters take a call every 30 seconds.
Nationally, Lifeline’s 4,000 crisis supporters will respond to more than one million calls for help this year.
As well as its 13 11 14 service, locally Lifeline provides free counselling sessions as well as bereavement support groups and other community programs.
Nine Australians die every day by suicide and more than 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44.
To sign up for the challenge visit challengeyourself.raisely.com or get links from the Lifeline Hunter and Central Coast Facebook page or www.centralcoast.lifeline.org.au.
Some challenges to consider include: learning something new – a new language or hobby; getting healthier – give up or cut back on coffee, sugar or alcohol; gettingfitter – set yourself a run, ride, walk or swim challenge; taking a digital detox – give up or cut back on screen time or social media; improving self-care – read some books or take up yoga.
For confidential support: Lifeline phone 13 11 14, text on 0477 13 11 14 l or chat online at www.lifeline.org.au.
For Lifeline face to face and video counselling bookings call 1300 152 854.
13 Yarn (13 92 76) is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander run service.
If this story raises issues for you, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13 Yarn on 13 92 76.
Source:
Media release, Sep 28
Lifeline Central Coast