The Australian Government announced on 26 March that there will an investment of an additional $52.3 million in funding for Lifeline Australia over four years.
The funding boost will help Lifeline meet the growing demand for their support services, maintain and improve infrastructure and responsiveness, and invest in innovation for crisis response, surge capacity and models of care.
It is estimated that next year Lifeline will be able to take an extra 176,000 calls or texts from Australians, which will ensure they can take up to 3,900 calls each day.
Colin Seery, Lifeline CEO, said, “It is absolutely essential that we ensure our services have the resources they need to help all Australians who need us”.
The Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Scott Morrison, stated, “The critical role that Lifeline plays has never been more evident than in these recent years”.
“When COVID had many Australians feeling like they were alone, Lifeline was there. When bushfires or floods left many feeling helpless, Lifeline was there.”
This investment follows the Lifeline’s text service becoming a 24/7-service earlier in the year.
To date, the 2021-2022 health portfolio expenditure in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports is at a record high of $6.5 million.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out and connect with Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Subscribe to eNews
Keep up to date and sign up to the Life in Mind eNews, sharing some of the latest news and research in suicide prevention.