Lifeline Australia

Congratulations to our Lifeline Australia 2025 Volunteers of the Year, Aini Bowering and Dantina (Tina) Baldwin. Aini has excelled as a crisis supporter in our Adelaide phone room for over 30 years. Throughout this time, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication, never missed a single shift, and consistently showed up for both help seekers and her fellow volunteers. Her reliability and commitment are exceptional, but what truly sets Aini apart is the compassion, calmness, and empathy she brings to every interaction. Tina has dedicated over four decades to Lifeline, from answering the very first Nightline calls in 1983 to today’s nationally connected service. She has consistently been a soft place to land for people experiencing loneliness, sadness, illness, relationship struggles, homelessness, and suicidal thoughts. Tina builds trust, connection, and hope with every person she encounters, whether on the phone, mentoring new crisis supporters, or within her community. Aini and Tina show us what dedication, compassion, and lifelong service truly look like. We are deeply grateful for the care they, and all our volunteers, bring to Lifeline and their communities.

This International Men’s Day, we recognise the challenges many men face and the importance of reaching out for support. In 2023, men accounted for around 75% of suicides in Australia. Too often, men feel pressure to stay strong or keep their feelings to themselves but carrying that weight alone can take a toll on mental wellbeing. Remember, seeking support is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. Take a moment to reflect on how you’re really doing and know that support is always here when you need it. If you or someone you know needs support, please call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14, or text us on 0477 13 11 14, or visit www.lifeline.org.au for our online chat service or for resources to self-manage what you’re going through. AII our crisis support services are available 24/7.

We remember the individuals who died by suicide in 2024 and those who attempted to take their own life. Every life lost is a tragedy that touches families, friends, workplaces, and communities. We also acknowledge those learning to live without their loved ones and the ongoing journey of grief they face. We want to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for support and to remind everyone that Lifeline is here for you, across our phone and digital services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 or chat to Lifeline online at https://lnkd.in/gYwNkqGM For self-led support, visit lifeline.org.au/toolkit.

Worrying about money is normal at times, but financial stress can become a problem when it starts to affect your wellbeing. You might notice it showing up if: • You constantly feel overwhelmed about your financial situation • You’ve been stressed for a long time with no improvement • You are having difficulty sleeping • You avoid money matters altogether, like never checking your bank balance If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Visit our Support Toolkit for practical strategies that can help you cope with financial stress: ll.org.au/financial-stress

This Remembrance Day, we honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans. We recognise the strength it takes to serve, and the challenges many continue to face long after leaving uniform. At Lifeline, we are here for veterans to listen, support and provide care whenever it is needed. Hear from Major Ian Carter in Holding on to Hope, as he shares his journey of service, resilience, and the realities behind the uniform: http://bit.ly/podlifeline If you or someone you know needs support, please call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14, or text us on 0477 13 11 14, or visit www.lifeline.org.au for our online chat service or for resources to self-manage what you’re going through. AII our crisis support services are available 24/7.

Feeling worried about money is more common than you might think. 1 in 3 Australians are finding it hard to get by on their current income, and financial stress can affect both your wellbeing and your mental health. It can look like struggling with rent or bills, missing loan repayments, or facing unexpected costs. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone and support is available. Visit our Support Toolkit to discover practical ways to care for your mental wellbeing and build confidence in managing financial stress: ll.org.au/financial-stress

Lifeline’s Chief Research Officer, Dr Anna Brooks, joined Australians for Mental Health in Canberra yesterday for the launch of the National Mental Health Compass.   The Compass is the first report to map the diversity of Australians’ attitudes towards mental health. It provides high-level insights into experiences and perceptions of mental health and identifies five distinct community segments. This landmark report offers opportunities to better engage with Australians on mental health and wellbeing.   Lifeline is proud to have partnered with Australians for Mental Health to deliver this important research. Understanding Australians’ experiences and attitudes is crucial to supporting those in need and strengthening community connection.   Read more about the report and its insights in their article here: https://lnkd.in/dyuhYWgW

Lifeline’s Chief Research Officer, Anna Brooks, joined The Hon Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Leonie - home Nowland, First Assistant Secretary of Open Arms, Dr Jonathan (Jon) Lane, Chief Psychiatrist Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Suicide Prevention Office, in Canberra today for the launch of the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Suicide Prevention Framework and Implementation Plan. The Framework and Plan lays out a six-year, evidence-based approach to reducing suicide among veterans and serving Defence personnel. Anna Brooks, Chief Research Officer, Lifeline Research Office “DVA’s Suicide Prevention Framework and Implementation Plan is a terrific piece of work which champions a transformational approach to suicide prevention across governments and communities. Lifeline Australia acknowledges the unique nature of military service, and its ongoing impacts on mental health, wellbeing and risk of suicide. We are committed to supporting and serving those whose roles are - or have been - to serve the nation.”

"It is so lovely to receive unexpected parcels with lots of goodies inside... Thank you Lifeline Team for again making me realise how wonderful it is to be part of the Lifeline world.” Hearing this from one of our digital crisis supporters reminded us just how important it is to care for the people who are always there for others. Volunteering from their homes across Australia, our digital crisis supporters dedicate their days and nights to offering compassion, hope, and connection to people in their toughest moments. This Mental Health Month, we wanted to give a little of that care back. Thanks to the generosity of our incredible corporate partners and supporters, we created and delivered hundreds of self-care packages as a heartfelt thank you. With special thanks to: NRMA Insurance IAG nib Group Scentre Group (Owner of Westfield destinations in Aus and NZ) Collins Debden Australia T2 Tea Berocca Bayer The Arnott's Group True Protein From donating products to volunteering your time to pack each gift, your kindness reminded our crisis supporters to pause, recharge, and feel the strength of the community behind them. Because even those who listen, care, and support others every day deserve to feel supported too. 💙

A low mood can leave you feeling drained but moving, even a little, can lift your energy. Try putting on your favourite song and move to the music, follow a short online video, or step outside for a few minutes of fresh air. Discover how movement can support your wellbeing at ll.org.au/get-active