 | | NATIONAL Board CHAIR Message | Lifeline exists to help people in crisis, to build individual emotional wellbeing and resilience, and to equip communities with the ability and confidence to support people in emotional distress.
I am proud to acknowledge the remarkable commitment, care, energy and skill with which Lifeline’s staff and volunteers have developed and delivered services and provided support to achieve these goals over the last 12 months.
This year we’ve made major steps forward in increasing our capability to help more Australians in crisis – new cutting edge systems, a foray into online crisis support services and the introduction of paid staff during overnight shifts for our 13 11 14 service. These service innovations are designed to help people through times of crisis in their lives.
As we celebrate the Festive Season, I’d like to thank you for your support this year in helping us save lives, whether it’s as a donor, partner, stakeholder or supporter. To our volunteers and staff, a special thank you for making the work of Lifeline possible and for serving the Australian community with passion and dedication that knows no bounds.
Regards, Graham Flower
Lifeline National Board Chair
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| MOVIE TICKET GIVEAWAY | | A FEW BEST MEN  This Christmas, Lifeline has 5 double passes to give away to subscribers of our e-newsletter to see the film A Few Best Men, opening nationally on Australia Day, 26 January 2012.
A Few Best Men is an outrageous comedy about a groom and his so called 'three best mates'. Directed by Stephan Elliott (The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert) and starring Xavier Samuel (Twilight: Eclipse), Kris Marshall (Death At A Funeral), Kevin Bishop (The Kevin Bishop Show), Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids) and Olivia Newton-John as the mother of the bride. When David travels to Australia to marry the love of his life, his three best men give a whole new meaning to the phrase 'for better or worse'. The chaos-filled wedding is a classic culture clash between his friends and her family … because blood is thicker than water, and so are David's mates! For your chance to win tickets to A Few Best Men be one of the first 5 subscribers to email us at marketing@lifeline.org.au with your name and postal address and you will be sent a double pass in the mail.
Note: This is not a competition and is only open to Lifeline e-newsletter subscribers. Only one double pass is available per subscriber.
Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for validity of movie tickets and for a list of cinemas screening this film before applying.
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| | LIFELINE CENTRE IN PROFILE | Lifeline Northern Beaches
| | Location: Balgowlah, Sydney NSW
Years in operation: 43 years
Employed full-time staff: 14
Number of Volunteers: 400
Services provided: 24 hour telephone counselling, personal counselling, problem gambling counselling and support, financial counselling, support groups, suicide bereavement support group, welfare assistance, community visitor’s scheme, senior volunteer service.
Website: www.lifeline.org.au/northernbeaches |
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 | | | thank you
| Happy Christmas
| | |  We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas. Thank you for your support during 2011. Lifeline would also like to extend our thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, corporate supporters and partners for your generosity, commitment and hard work in 2011. Your contribution and support has been fundamental to ensuring Lifeline continues to connect people with care.
We hope everyone will join us again in 2012. | | HELP SEEKING | A stress free Christmas
| | | Christmas can be a time of celebrating with family and friends, relaxing and taking time out to enjoy life. For many individuals, however, the holiday season can heighten feelings of isolation or loneliness.
We all know that there can be a number of problems that arise from having individuals together at Christmas, particularly when relationship difficulties, excess alcohol consumption, and the pressure of spending money are combined.
It’s not unusual for people to feel stress.
We should all take time out to consider whether we know someone who might need additional support at this time of year, and make an effort to connect with them.
Fast tips for relieving the stress of Christmas: - Understand that it is common for people to feel stressed at this time of year.
- Try not to expect too much – aiming for the “perfect” Christmas or assuming that everyone one will be on their best behaviour may not be realistic.
- Limit alcohol - there can be a temptation to drink too much at Christmas, but alcohol can fuel arguments and cause unwanted behaviours.
- If you are feeling down tell someone, e.g. a trusted friend or family member, or talk to your GP, a counsellor, or call a helpline like Lifeline on 13 11 14.
- Look after yourself physically. If you look after your body, your mind will feel better too.
- Where possible plan ahead to deal with stressful situations.
- Know your limits and listen to your emotions. If you need to calm down, perhaps take a walk or find a quiet place.
- If times are tough financially or for other reasons, make time to sit down as a family and plan a Christmas that is reasonable.
During the Festive Season, Lifeline Centres around the country will continue to offer a range of services to support their local communities. Lifeline Volunteer telephone Crisis Supporters will also continue to take calls on 13 11 14, 24 hours a day. | lifeline national ambassador
| Christmas message from Natasha Ferrè
| | Christmas can be a great time for lots of people. I love Christmas because I get to spend time with my loved ones and celebrate everyone's achievements, while pondering our hopes and dreams for the New Year. But for many, it can be a time of great stress and loneliness and disappointment.
Just recently a very close friend of mine tried to suicide. It reminded me just how vulnerable we really are, particularly at this time of year. That's why it's important to remember that if you are feeling like you need support, if you are in crisis in any way, Lifeline is there for you, 24/7.
I support Lifeline because they can, and do, help people Australia wide, every day.
I encourage you to get support when you need it or help someone else reach out and contact Lifeline before it gets too much!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
Natasha Ferrè- Lifeline National Ambassador Lifeline would like to thank Natasha and all our National Ambassadors and National Consumer Advocates for their support and contributions during 2011.
| LIFELINE outstanding volunteer achievement award
| Lynda O'Reilly
| | | Last year, the Lifeline Outstanding Volunteer Achievement Award was introduced to acknowledge the commitment and achievement of those volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty for Lifeline. The winner of the 2011 award was presented to Lynda O’Reilly from Lifeline Adelaide. Congratulations, Lynda! Lynda is a Telephone Crisis Supporter and has been volunteering for Lifeline for 30 years. The one thing that stood out to the judges was the high regard in which Lynda was held by her peers at Lifeline Adelaide. “Everyone wants to be around Lynda, to be supervised or trained by her, and Lynda is an inspirational member of Lifeline.” Congratulations also goes to the five finalists who were chosen from a very strong group of nominees for their outstanding contributions; Prue Benson – Lifeline Brisbane, John Dimond – Lifeline Central Coast NSW, Liela Ford – Lifeline Darling Downs and South West QLD, John Horvitz – Lifeline Greater Sunshine Coast, and Margaret Whitechurch – Lifeline Coral Coast Capricorn. Nominees were judged by an external panel of judges from organisations including Volunteering ACT, Mental Health Council of Australia and Mental Health@work. Lifeline would also like to acknowledge all of our 11,000 Lifeline volunteers for their dedication and commitment during 2011. Thank you for your support throughout the year, and we hope you will join us again in 2012. If you would like to join the Lifeline volunteer family visit our website | | community fundraising | Lifeline's Christmas Appeal
| | This Christmas, Lifeline supporters can help someone who may be feeling lonely or isolated by making a donation to support Lifeline’s 13 11 14 telephone crisis support service.
Our telephone crisis support service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (even on Christmas Day). On Christmas day, Lifeline receives more than 1,000 calls for help. Unfortunately it’s a sad fact that not everyone in Australia enjoys a happy Christmas. Our volunteer telephone crisis supporters are available throughout the Christmas period, many of our volunteers giving up their time with family and friends to provide others with care and support.
We have a growing number of people who have chosen to support Lifeline with a regular monthly donation. It’s a really good way to ensure your support can help Lifeline throughout 2012, and all donations (over $2) are tax deductable. Some people also make a donation to Lifeline on behalf of others in lieu of a gift, which is also a generous way to support Lifeline. So if you are stuck for present ideas this Christmas, why not make a donation to Lifeline on behalf of your loved ones.
If you would like to support Lifeline either with a one off or regular donation then please give us a call on 1800 800 768 or visit www.lifeline.org.au and support someone in need this Christmas!
| during the Festive Season
| Don’t forget Lifeline is there to help you
| | | During the Festive Season, Lifeline Centres around the country will continue to be available to offer a range of services to support their local communities. Lifeline Volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporters will be available to take calls on 13 11 14, 24 hours a day. Our online crisis chat service will also be available.
Lifeline also has a number of self-help resources online that you or someone you know may find useful during the festive season.
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