Lifeline awarded for Campaigns with both NRL and Triple Eight Racing

Release date: 06 Mar 2008

On Monday 25 February, Lifeline Australia was honored with two awards from the Fundraising Institute of Australia, in recognition of suicide awareness campaigns run in partnership with National Rugby League’s One Community Program and Team Vodafone Triple Eight Racing

On Monday 25 February, Lifeline Australia was honored with two awards from the Fundraising Institute of Australia, in recognition of suicide awareness campaigns run in partnership with National Rugby League’s One Community Program and Team Vodafone Triple Eight Racing.

Lifeline Australia received National Awards for Excellence in Fundraising in the Fundraising Marketing category, as well as a special commendation for the “help a mate stay in the game” and “help a mate stay in the race” campaigns.

Both campaigns aimed to raise awareness about suicide risk and encourage help-seeking behaviour – particularly among young men – by enabling these messages to be delivered and promoted to Australians through the popular and high profile sports of rugby league and V8 motor racing.

“We are very proud to have been acknowledged in this way. These awards are testament to the great things that can be achieved when we work in partnership with other organisations,” said Lifeline Australia, CEO Dawn O’Neil.

“Lifeline is grateful to have strong partnerships with a number of high profile organisations, which allow us to, communicate important messages about being mentally healthy, that encourage community involvement, and that help us to connect people with care.”

Lifeline Australia’s partnership with the National Rugby League’s One Community Program was launched in May 2007 and the success of the “Help a mate stay in the game” suicide awareness campaign led to a similar partnership being formed with Team Vodafone Triple Eight Racing.

“Help a mate stay in the game was a great campaign that we were proud to support,” said NRL Community Relations Manager, Trish Crews. “The high incidence of depression and suicide among young men is a very serious issue and our partnership with Lifeline Australia is the Game’s way of addressing the problem and working towards solutions”.

Each year in Australia more than 2000 people die by suicide and a further 20,000 people are impacted by the death of a loved one by suicide. Lifeline and partnering organisations can help save lives by conducting a range or suicide awareness activities and offering services that support people at risk.

“Lifeline relies on community support to fund vital mental health and suicide prevention services in Australia. We are always interested to hear from organisations and individuals who can support us in connecting people with care,” said Ms O’Neil.

For more information about Lifeline’s corporate partnerships visit www.lifeline.org.au/support_us

Media Contact: Enita Hampton (ph: 02 6215 9406 or 0415 937 290)