The ongoing uncertainty and economic hardship is taking an enormous emotional toll on our country.

People are simply struggling to cope.

Lifeline has never before experienced demand for our crisis support as high as it is right now. Many of those seeking support are young people and people from marginalised groups who feel more comfortable texting for help than calling.

We’re currently doing all we can to expand our Text Crisis Support service as quickly as possible, but we simply can’t do it without more funding.

Crisis Supporter volunteers like Sonja are seeing first-hand how the pandemic has exacerbated the struggles of Australians from all walks of life. 

Five years ago, Sonja benefitted from Lifeline’s crisis support in her own moment of need, and earlier last year she joined us as a Text Crisis Support volunteer herself.

She shared with us recently that much of the increase in demand for text-based help has been fuelled by young people who have no one else to turn to.

“You’re communicating with very young people, very vulnerable 13- and 14-year-olds, sometimes. It can be heartbreaking—hearing what a child is going through.

Finding the right support services for them can be tricky because they can’t go to the doctor by themselves. And they’re often too embarrassed to talk to their friends or teachers about what’s going on.”

For many Australians, Lifeline is the only place they feel comfortable to turn when they find themselves struggling to go on.

We don’t want to let anyone down in their moment of need. That’s why we’re asking you to donate whatever you can comfortably afford right now.

Every dollar ensures we take the next step towards creating a suicide-free future for Australia. Thank you.

If you or someone you know needs crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (available 24/7), visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp or reach out to us via our text service on 0477 13 11 14 between 12pm - 2am AEST. We’re here for you.