13 May 2020

Lifeline welcomes the Federal Government’s National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan

Today, John Brogden, Lifeline Australia Chairman, welcomed the Australian Government’s National Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan and the Australian Government’s commitment of a further $48.1M to their Mental Health response.

Lifeline Australia Chairman, John Brogden said:

“Today’s National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan will put a consistent framework for mental health supports in place across the nation. This is a necessary plan designed to remove barriers to accessing support, this plan will save lives.”

Change and uncertainty at the best of times can be difficult. It is essential that every person in the community has access to support as soon as they need it. This is a well-rounded plan that will enable instant response through data capture, universal access to mental health supports that respond to the needs of local communities and consistent messaging to the nation on the importance of seeking help and where that help is available.”

Since the beginning of this crisis, Lifeline has been working hard to support Australian’s suffering from the mental health effects of the isolation and uncertainty of COVID-19.

“Over the course of the outbreak, Lifeline has consistently communicated the importance of connection, because it is through connecting with others that we find a sense of hope.

Australians have responded with record numbers of calls to the 13 11 14 crisis line with contacts surging to almost 90,000 a month, that means Lifeline is receiving a call every 30 seconds. Over the next few months, we want to continue to ensure people are aware that Lifeline is here for them and we expect to increase these numbers and save many more lives.” Said Mr Brogden

Lifeline responded to the Australian Mental Health Commissions request for submissions in the development of the COVID-19 Mental Health Plan, listing the following priorities that, once implemented, will save lives:

Uplifting capacity for universal access to social connectivity and support.

• Consistent, universally embedded public messaging to meet the specific challenges associated with caronavirus
• Supporting continuity in the delivery of diverse suicide prevention services in community
• Ensuring peer advice and support is embedded into new approaches to service delivery

Lifeline expects that mental illness related to COVID-19 will far outlast the physical threats of the disease itself.

“The COVID-19 crisis has been difficult for all of us, but for some it has created extreme challenges.  While we are hopeful with the lifting of the restrictions, it is important to remain vigilant about our mental health.  Change can be difficult, and it is OK not to feel OK.

Our services remain open and our Crisis Supporters are ready to listen. If you are feeling overwhelmed, in crisis or emotionally distressed, it is essential that you speak to someone you trust, your GP or you contact Lifeline.  Please call 13 11 14 at any time of the day or night.” Said Mr Brogden

Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 40 centres around the nation.  The service expects to respond to well over one million requests for support this year, creating an average of 120 safety plans to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe every day.