Lifeline Hunter Central Coast CEO, Robert Sams, has welcomed the announcement of $8.2M in State Government over five years to facilitate the expansion of the organisation’s text and webchat services.
“This is very welcome confirmation of a pre-election promise,” Sams said.
“This gives people another way to contact Lifeline and will open up our services up to a whole range of new people, especially youth.”
Sams said sometimes people were not able to make a call to Lifeline for a variety of reasons and texting was a valuable option.
“Perhaps someone has a disability and is not able to talk on the phone,” he said.
“Or the obvious one is people in situations of domestic or family violence where making a call might not be safe.”
Young people too, he said, are often more comfortable with texting that phone calls.
“On the Central Coast we will look at ways to expand our team of crisis supporters to take on text.
“Our volunteers take phone calls out of Wyoming, but the majority of people who do text volunteering do it remotely.
“The funds will help us to recruit and train people.”
Sams said demand for Lifeline’s services continued to grow.
“I thought COVID was a massive peak and it would slow (after the crisis passed),” he said.
“But pre-COVID we were receiving 2,500 calls a day nationally; that number is now up to 3,000, or 4,000 if you include texts and on-line chats.
“Lifeline is a bit of a barometer on how people are feeling.”
Sams said bushfires and floods followed by all sorts of experiences during lockdown were still taking their toll, now exacerbated by the rising cost of living.
“These are really significant societal and environmental factors,” he said.
“At the moment the cost of living is causing worry and anxiety, along with interest rate rises.
“People are filled with uncertainty, not knowing how long this situation will go on.”
NSW Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said the investment would provide enhanced support for people across the state, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Mental health and emotional wellbeing remain a key priority for me and the NSW Government,” she said.
“Now more than ever people need access to lifesaving mental health support and we are committed to ensuring people have that support.
“We know the demand for this service is incredibly high.
“When people are in crisis it can be difficult to seek help.
“The expansion of Lifeline’s text and web chat service in NSW will help to ensure people have a range of options when they need it most.
“We know this is particularly important for young people as sometimes making a phone call can be a barrier.
“We’re using technology they’re familiar with to create easier entry points and better accessibility for vulnerable people.”
Anyone experiencing a crisis can call: Lifeline 13 11 14; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
To be connected with specialist mental health services, call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
Terry Collins