LIFELINE BALLARAT - SERVING THE PEOPLE OF BALLARAT AND THE GRAMPIANS REGION AND BEYOND

Lifeline Ballarat is the major provider of accessible and affordable telephone counselling in the greater Ballarat and Grampians regions.

Last year Lifeline Ballarat's telephone counsellors received approximately 11,491 counselling calls, an average of 31 calls per day year round.

Lifeline Ballarat has been supporting its community for 37 years and is still going strong.

Repaying a Debt of Gratitude to Lifeline

A true story, as told to a Lifeline Ballarat staff member

Why do you volunteer at the Lifeline Shop?

When people ask me why I am happy to give so much time and effort working at the Lifeline shop, I don’t always have the time to give the real answer.

Many years ago after a severe mental breakdown, I was in a terrible state. After being released from care my life seemed worthless and my desperation was something I couldn’t bear. I was reduced to such a low state that I often thought of ending my life, and on several occasions I almost succeeded.

Throughout this period of many months, my major source of support, care and strength came from the Lifeline counsellors I called, often several times a day and also during the night. Those counsellors are responsible for my being alive today, as their counselling and their actions drew me back from the brink each time.

I have never forgotten the huge debt of gratitude that I owe Lifeline and the wonderful counsellors for the fulfilling life I have today with my family, my friends, my interests and my volunteer work at the Lifeline shop. I will work my heart out to support this wonderful organisation that helps so many people just like me, in their time of need.

Thank you Lifeline counsellors.

Have we been a Life Line for you?

We are committed to providing a quality service to our callers. If you would like to provide information to us about our service we would be pleased to hear from you. Your feedback is important to us.

Contact: Lifeline Ballarat Phone: 03 5332 1009 Fax: 03 5331 7083 Email: info@lifelineballarat.com.au

Lifeline Ballarat is a program of UnitingCare Ballarat.