Lifeline (counselling Service)

Lifeline (counselling Service)

Lifeline is a non-profit organisation that provides free, 24-hour Telephone Crisis Support service in Australia. Volunteer Crisis Supporters provide suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance, not only via telephone but face-to-face and online.

The telephone service can be accessed by calling 13 11 14 within Australia.

Telephone Crisis Support is provided via a network of Lifeline Centres maintained by trained volunteers and some paid staff. As at March 2012, there are more than 40 Lifeline Centres, spanning across 60 locations around Australia. About 11,000 volunteers deliver support services, while approx. 1,000 staff provide administration and fundraising co-ordination.

Lifeline receives more than 400,000 calls every year. In the 2009/2010 financial year, 449,946 telephone calls were taken. In 2010/2011, Lifeline reported an income stream consisting of 26% from community support, 63% through government grants and 11% from other sources. Income is then distributed to: service support (72%), fundraising and promotion (18%), and administration (10%).

Some Lifeline Centres also provide other support services which may include face to face counselling, group support, assistance with food & utility bills, support for the elderly and frail, and related services.

Lifeline has over 260 retail outlets around the country which sell a variety of clothes, furniture and bric-a-brac. Some Lifeline Centres have a number of stores but not all Lifeline Centres have retail outlets