Lifeline’s Text Helpline is Now Available 24/7 To Help More People In Need

Trigger warning: this article discusses mental health and suicide.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the prevalence of mental health issues has risen alarmingly each month.

The impact of lockdowns, social restrictions, remote learning, working from home and unemployment has stretched counselling services like Lifeline and Headspace (as well as many more) to their limits.

Lifeline received a record 1.07 million calls from Australians in crisis in 2021. They also responded to 51,265 text conversations.

This New Year’s Day alone, they recorded 3,726 calls and 609 texts and web chats in a single night. That’s up from their record number last year of 3,345 on Monday 2 August.

It was clear something needed to be done to keep up with demand.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lifeline (@lifelineaustralia)

Last week, there was finally some good news out of the mental health services space, with Lifeline’s text support line going 24/7.

Vulnerable Australians will now be able to reach out to a crisis supporter in a way they feel most comfortable – over text, phone call or online chat – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The text helpline has been the only one of its kind in Australia since it was established in 2019.

Those in need can send a message to 0477 13 11 14 and answer a few questions via text, before they’re connected to a trained crisis supporter.

It’s expected the service expansion will especially help young women after a 2019 evaluation of Lifeline by the Australian Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI) found the median age of those getting in touch for help was 24 years old, and 80 per cent identified as female.

We are pleased to announce the expansion of Lifeline Crisis Text to 24/7, with thanks to a $1.5 million grant from @ausgov , and the support of our incredible partners. The move means more Australians will be able to reach out for support, at any time of day. pic.twitter.com/HTT2d94rXl

— Lifeline (@LifelineAust) February 7, 2022

The announcement comes after a $1.5 million cash boost from the federal government, in an effort to ramp up mental health support during the pandemic.

That’s on the back of $2.3 billion allocated to the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan in last year’s federal budget.

Those funds were divided into five key areas that added extra services for counselling, referrals, clinical support, treatment and treatment centres, mental health workforce funding, and support for Indigenous Australians.

Backed by $1.5 million in Morrison Government funding, Lifeline has launched a 24/7 crisis text service to expand its support for Australians struggling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.@LifelineAust @DavidColemanMP pic.twitter.com/xR39ClQqvN

— Greg Hunt (@GregHuntMP) February 7, 2022

If COVID news is making you feel anxious, you’re not alone. We spoke to a professional who gave us some advice on how to deal with the uncertainty of the pandemic, which you can read here.

Be kind to yourself and remember that your feelings are always valid.

If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. 

You can also text 0477 131 114 or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au with all services now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

Header image: Daniel Reche via Pexels & Lifeline.