Lifeline Geelong is calling for community support to help bring hope over Christmas, with the service preparing for a busy holiday season.
The crisis support service has already reached 1.25 million connections this year, with more calls predicted as factors like loneliness, financial pressure and relationships cause distress levels to rise.
Lifeline Direct chief executive Luke Lindsay said there was expected to be more than 125,000 connections with the service through phone, text and webchat services over December.
“The holiday season can feel like a perfect storm of loneliness and expectations for many,” he said.
“It’s easier to find hope when you have someone to talk to, and for many, Lifeline is who they reach to for this support.”
Mr Lindsay said donations helped keep Lifeline’s support lines open so no one had to “face their struggles” alone and that he was proud to have a Lifeline Centre in Geelong.
“This Christmas, I’m asking for your help. Your financial gift will allow us to continue offering vital services and human-to-human connections when people need it the most,” he said.
“Right now, Lifeline is experiencing unprecedented demand for our services. On October 7 alone, we recorded the highest number of daily calls ever as 4,405 people reached out for help.”
Donations to the service can be made at geelongswv.lifeline.org.au and people can reach out to Lifeline for help by calling 13 11 14, texting 0477 131 114, or speaking with someone online at lifeline.org.au
