Helpline Numbers Save Lives

Release date: 11 Mar 2010

Lifeline Australia is asking all media outlets to place a referral to Lifeline’s 24 hour telephone counselling crisis line 13 11 14, as well as their website, on stories about suicide and mental health.

Currently, suicide in particular is featuring heavily in the media with the Senate Inquiry and the Inquest into Charmaine Dragun’s death.  With the release of the ABS adjusted data on suicide rates next week, coverage is expected to continue.

Studies have shown that stories about suicide and mental health may have an effect on people who read them.  For this reason, a referral to a helpline service like Lifeline can be a vital pathway to seeking help.  It can literally save lives.

Any one of the following referrals (or a version of) may be life saving to someone in need.

• "If you or someone you know is in need of emotional support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au"
• "If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or visit www.lifeline.org.au"
• "For help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au"
• "For emotional support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au"

For information on the safe reporting of suicide go to www.mindframe-media.info.

Media Contact: Chris Wagner, Lifeline Australia (ph: 02 6215 9446 or 0434 378 939)