Lifeline Geelong is hosting events this week to help the service continue supporting people in need.
Lifeline Victoria head of corporate and community partnerships Michael Parker said Lifeline Geelong Giving Week, which concludes on Sunday September 10, aimed to raise funds for the crisis support service to train more volunteers.
“The support has been overwhelming this week and we’re really excited that Geelong people are supporting the local Lifeline,” he said.
“There’s a high cost that comes with training our volunteers and all funds raised this week goes towards hopefully training some more volunteers so that we can answer more calls.”
Lifeline Geelong’s September Giving Week events included a Father’s Day Golf Classic on September 1, a Champagne and Shop night, Tracksuit Tuesday, a Comedy Gala, and a Spring Soiree.
Mr Parker said he looked forward to Torquay’s World Suicide Prevention Day walk on Sunday, September 10, a national event to create hope and raise awareness of suicide.
“It’s an important day to recognise suicide prevention and to walk with those who may have been impacted by suicide,” he said.
“This is the first time we have a set route in Torquay that people can come and walk together and have discussions around suicide prevention.”
General manager Jason Doherty said Lifeline relied on community donations and fundraising to run its services.
“It costs $3,500 to train and support each crisis supporter, and each call to Lifeline costs around $39,” he said.
“With 100 more crisis supporters, we could answer 25,000 more calls a year from people who we don’t want to feel alone when they’re going through dark moments.
“We don’t want people to suffer in silence. Our crisis supporters are here to listen without judgement and to offer hope.”
Lifeline receives close to 6,071 crisis calls per year from the Geelong region, with suicide identified as a leading cause of death for Australians between 15 and 44.
If this article has raised concerns, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13 Yarn on 13 92 76.
