We're here for you
If you are thinking about suicide or experiencing emotional distress, help is available. There is hope. Please contact Lifeline, we are here to listen. We are here for you.
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Are you...
We listen without judgement
Lifeline provides confidential crisis support that is accessible 24 hours a day. We encourage any person in Australia who is contemplating suicide, experiencing emotional distress, or caring for someone in crisis to call, text or chat with Lifeline.
Regardless of your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion, our trained crisis supporters are ready to listen, support, and help you work through what’s on your mind.
We will...
- We will listen without judgement
- We will explore what's troubling you
- Identify other forms of help, if that is right for you
We won't...
- We won't pass judgment
- We won't tell you what to do
- We won't give advice
Contact us for a confidential conversation with an empathetic crisis supporter if you are in distress. We will listen to you and support you in discussing whatever is on your mind. We can provide further sources of help and support if that’s what you’re looking for. You don’t need to give your name if you don’t want to.
Demand for our crisis support lines are high and there may be wait times.
Call Triple Zero (000) if you are in immediate danger.
If life is in danger call 000
If life is in danger call Triple Zero (000)
Suicidal thoughts can occur to anyone at any point in their life. They are more common than you may realise. You may be feeling overwhelming pain, hopeless, worthless, isolated, or like there is no way out. While it is OK to have suicidal feelings, it is important to reach out and let someone know how you’re feeling. Lifeline is here for you. We understand what it’s like to have thoughts about suicide. We’re here to listen and help you.
Try our Support Toolkit
We’ve launched a curated library of tools, techniques and information to help you:
- Understand what you’re going through
- Learn ways to self-manage through evidence-based tools and techniques
- Access support, should you need it.
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"Thank you Lady...whoever you are...you have no idea how much your voice, and words, and strength to keep me going helped last night. With everything in my heart...thank you!"
Feedback from a caller
Meet 24 year old Rachel
"If I met that woman that I spoke to that day, I would tell her that scared and suicidal 17-year-old girl, is so grateful to be alive today."
In this episode we're honoured to have Joanna as our guest, sharing her journey of resilience from teenage struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts to finding hope and healing in her 50s.
10 Sep 2024
Andrew has walked a challenging path, grappling with depression and anxiety for over a decade.
27 Aug 2024
Paul is a resilient soul who embarked on a profound transformation after four decades of living behind a façade of "existences."
13 Aug 2024
Single mum Nicole was inspired to become a Lifeline crisis support worker after her own experience with suicidal ideation.
29 Jul 2024
Listen to real stories of hope
How are you feeling today?
It’s important to recognise that our mental health, just like our physical health varies over time. It is normal for our moods and feelings to vary from day to day depending on what is happening around and within us.
Click the description below that best describes how you are feeling today, and we will suggest some resources that might help.
That’s great! Maybe you are looking a new self-care strategy, or some different resources to help you stay on track? We’ve suggested some top tips and sources of support and information below.
Actions to take
- Focus on the task at hand
- Break problems into manageable chunks
- Identify and nurture support systems
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Check-in with others who may need support
Get in touch
If you can’t speak to someone you know about what is worrying you, please contact Lifeline today.
Call us 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support)
Chat to a crisis supporter
Text with us on 0477 13 11 14
Helpful resources
It sounds like things are not so great at the moment. Is something troubling or challenging you? It’s a reminder to reflect and take some small steps to help you move towards a more positive state of mind.
Actions to take
- Recognise your limits
- Identify and minimise stressors
- Engage in healthy coping strategies
- Get enough food, rest and exercise
- Talk it through with someone you trust
Get in touch
If you can’t speak to someone you know about what is worrying you, please contact Lifeline today.
Call us 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support)
Chat to a crisis supporter
Text with us on 0477 13 11 14
Helpful resources
Seems like things are pretty difficult just now. Have you been feeling this way for a while? Have you noticed any changes in your behaviour? Has something significant happened recently? It's a good idea to seek some support and help.
Actions to take
- Seek out trusted supports and talk through what is worrying you instead of withdrawing.
- Consider visiting your GP and talking to them about the signs you have identified.
- Contact your existing mental health professional if you have one.
Get in touch
If you can’t speak to someone you know about what is worrying you, please contact Lifeline today.
Call us 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support)
Chat to a crisis supporter
Text with us on 0477 13 11 14
Helpful resources
Things sound very tough at the moment. It is really important you connect with someone as soon as possible. Help is available and you can get through this.
Actions to take
- Seek help by talking to a trusted friend or relative
- Arrange to see your mental health professional or GP as soon as possible
- Call 000 if life is in danger
Get in touch
If you can’t speak to someone you know about what is worrying you, please contact Lifeline today.
Call us 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support)
Chat to a crisis supporter
Text with us on 0477 13 11 14
Helpful resources
You can browse a range of different organisations and referral sites using the categories below. Contact details and organisational information is included.
Remember, if you can't find what you need here, a GP or local counselling
centre is always a good starting point.
You can also use our service finder to locate services near you.
Lifeline
Call us 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support)
Chat to a crisis supporter
Text with us on 0477 13 11 14
Provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
13YARN
Call 13 92 76 (24-hour crisis support)
Visit 13yarn.org.au
National 24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. Staffed by Lifeline trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
1800 RESPECT
Confidential information, counselling, and support service open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, and abuse.
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue helpline is provided by mental health professionals, 24/7. All calls and chats are confidential.
SANE Austalia
For people with recurring, persistent or complex mental health issues and trauma, and for their families, friends and communities. SANE provides counselling support, peer support services, a guided service and resources. You can access more information here or call 1800 187 263 or sane.org.au
Kids Helpline
A free, private and confidential telephone and online counselling services, specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 years old.
Head to Health
Head to Health can help you find the right Australian digital mental health and wellbeing resources, for yourself or for someone you care about.
Suicide Call Back Service
Suicide Call Back Service provides professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide.
Carers Australia
Short-term counselling and emotional and psychological support services for carers and their families in each state and territory.
MensLine Australia
MensLine Australia is available 24/7 via phone or online. To support men with issues including mental health, relationship and divorce, emotional wellbeing and social connection.
QLife
1800 184 527 (3pm - 12am)
QLife is a peer support counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. It provides peer telephone and web-based services to diverse people of all ages.
Relationships Australia
A provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities.
Reach Out
Forums and web-based support for young people. Reachout also provide resources and support for parents and school.
Alcohol & Drug Foundation
Dedicated national organisation for the prevention of harm caused by alcohol and drugs. Resources, facts, and discussion points for addition.
Gambling Help Online
Free support for anyone affected by gambling in Australia. Chat, counselling, email support, and self-help.
Narcotics Anonymous Australia
Narcotics Anonymous is a non-profit society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem.
Support after Suicide
Provide support to those bereaved by suicide with resources and services for individuals and professionals.
Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
Bereavement counselling, support group and, information for bereaved adults, adolescents, children and families. Also provides education and training opportunities for health professionals.
SANDS
Provides information and confidential 24/7 support by trained parent supporters who have a personal understanding of the grief and confusion that may be experienced following miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a baby. SANDS also holds group support meetings.
Griefline
A free national helpline offering confidential telephone counselling and support to Australians in their grief by providing space to be heard without judgement or labels, and offering hope and healing after loss.
1800 RESPECT
A national counselling service providing information and support (telephone and online) for people who have experienced sexual assault or domestic and family violence.
Phoenix Australia
Australia’s National Centre for Excellence in Post-traumatic Mental Health and wellbeing. Phoenix Australia works to build capability of individuals, organisations, and the community to understand, prevent, and recover from the adverse mental health effects of trauma.
Blue Knot
Blue knot supports adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, parents, partners, family and friends as well as the professionals who work with them. This service operates from 9am-5pm AEST Monday-Sunday and public holidays.
Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma
A network of Australia’s eight specialist rehabilitation agencies that work with survivors of torture and trauma who have come to Australia from overseas.
Chronic Pain Australia
Chronic Pain Australia exists to reduce the unnecessary suffering and isolation caused by chronic pain in the Australian community.
Pain Australia
Pain Australia is the national peak body working to improve the quality of life of people living with pain, their families and carers, and to minimise the social and economic burden of pain.
QLife
QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support, and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships.
ACON
Creates opportunities for people in LGBTI+ communities to live their healthiest lives.
Butterfly Foundation
Works with Australians who are impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends, and communities who support them.
Black Dog Institute
Information on symptoms, treatment, and prevention of depression and bipolar disorder.
Beyond Blue
Works to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities affected by anxiety, depression, and suicide.
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health
A national platform for multicultural communities and Australian mental health services to access resources, services, and information in a culturally accessible format.
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health
Headspace
Free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time.
Health Direct
Government operated free Australian health advice.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Aboriginal Medical Services in each state and territory.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
Support after Suicide
Information, resources, counselling, and group support to those bereaved by suicide. Education and professional development to health, welfare, and education professionals.
Head to Health
Head to Health can help you find the right Australian digital mental health and wellbeing resources, for yourself or for someone you care about.
Looking for other services?
You can also use our service finder to locate services near you.
A safe place to be heard
- Call 13 11 14 24/7 Crisis Support
- Chat with us Available 24/7
- Text us Available 24/7
Volunteer to be a Digital Crisis Supporter
We offer National 24/7 Text and Online Chat Services to the Australian community, and we can’t do it without the generosity of people like you. Being a Digital Crisis Supporter may be right for you if you like the flexibility of working from home, are comfortable with technology, are able to express yourself confidently in the written word and are self-motivated.
Learn MoreWhat does a crisis supporter do?
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Train
Once accepted, you will complete training to become a qualified Crisis Supporter.
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Respond
You will respond to people in need of support via online chat or Lifeline Text
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Listen
You will listen to what’s going on for the person who has contacted you, hear their story and sit with their distress.
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Empower
You will support the person to identify their next steps and encourage them to generate and own the action. If needed, you will create a safety plan with them.
How training works
Crisis supporters commit to volunteering an average of two 4-hour shifts a month. You’ll also complete a training period to give you all the expertise you need to navigate crisis support successfully and empathetically.
Stage 1
30-35hrs / 8 weeks
Training Program
The first step is to get you trained up! Enjoy self-paced online learning over an 8-week period with a new training group starting each week.
Stage 2
10-15hrs / 4 weeks
Placement
To get confident with providing crisis support, you’ll do on-the-job supported shifts which enable your supervisor to provide you with feedback and support.
Stage 3
92hrs / year
Crisis Supporter
As a trained Crisis Supporter, you’ll be engaging in providing crisis support, receiving feedback, and taking part in professional development activities.
Upcoming information sessions
Want to learn more about becoming a Digital Crisis Supporter? Register for an upcoming Information Session:
Take the first step
If you think becoming a Digital Crisis Supporter is for you, you can send us your details and we’ll be in touch with the next steps in the application process.
What you’ll need to be a Digital Crisis Supporter volunteer
- A stable and reliable internet connection
- A quiet and confidential space where you can volunteer
- A PC or Mac computer, fewer than 6 years old, and administrator rights to install applications
- Mac users will need macOS 11 or later
- PC users will need Windows 10 or later
- Installed applications (all free): current Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser, Lifeline provided Zscaler
- Recommended: two computer monitors and a webcam
I was looking for a way to volunteer but my uni schedule is really full on, I wasn’t sure I’d have the time. I love the flexibility I get from Lifeline’s text volunteer program, and the feeling that I am giving back to the community.
Frequently asked questions
Lifeline provides one-off crisis support to people who could benefit from immediate and short-term assistance to cope with crises or distress. Lifeline does not provide long-term or ongoing assistance.
Lifeline’s one-off service means that a crisis supporter will be unaware of what has taken place following their interaction with the help seeker. This includes when Lifeline escalates a situation to emergency services due to issues of risk. Due to these challenges and others, Lifeline places high importance on providing debriefing and supportive supervision to all staff and volunteers.
Lifeline’s one-off service means that a crisis supporter will be unaware of what has taken place following their interaction with the help seeker. This includes when Lifeline escalates a situation to emergency services due to issues of risk. Due to these challenges and others, Lifeline places high importance on providing debriefing and supportive supervision to all staff and volunteers.
Help seekers contact Lifeline with a variety of issues and crisis situations. This may include relationship issues, loneliness, family concerns, substance issues, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, domestic and family violence situations, and child safety concerns. Crisis Supporters help to address a range of feelings including anxiety, depression, loneliness and disconnection.
All support services experience a small proportion of unwelcome interactions from people who are misusing the service to harass or intimidate. Debriefing and supervision play a pivotal role in seeking support during or after these often-challenging interactions.
All support services experience a small proportion of unwelcome interactions from people who are misusing the service to harass or intimidate. Debriefing and supervision play a pivotal role in seeking support during or after these often-challenging interactions.
No, the comprehensive training provided to our volunteer crisis supporters will ensure you are qualified to offer a high standard of crisis support that keeps people safe. We are looking for volunteers who are good listeners, empathetic, compassionate and committed to supporting others.
Yes, all volunteer roles require a National Police Check conducted by Lifeline and relevant state/territory Working with Children Check/Working with Vulnerable People Check. The associated fees for checks where required is at your own cost.
We find most people who volunteer with Lifeline as a volunteer crisis supporter find it very rewarding, knowing they are contributing to saving lives. Most of our volunteers contribute to the Lifeline community for years after completing training. We ask our volunteer crisis supporters to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per fortnight.
Lifeline has 41 centres around Australia in regional, remote and metropolitan areas. We also offer the opportunity to volunteer online via our Digital text and online chat services.
To volunteer at your nearest Lifeline Centre or Lifeline shop, please contact your local Lifeline Centre to find out more about becoming a volunteer.
To volunteer at your nearest Lifeline Centre or Lifeline shop, please contact your local Lifeline Centre to find out more about becoming a volunteer.
This video will give you more insight into what it's like to be a Digital Crisis Supporter. It provides additional information on what to expect and you will see some of our digital support volunteers share about their experiences.
Video addendum: Whilst a 2 year commitment from our volunteers contributes enormously toward ensuring we can provide consistent support to our Help Seekers, we understand this is not always possible. Given the time invested in training volunteer, we appreciate a minimum commitment from individual volunteers of 92 service hours per year based on 4 hrs per fortnight or an average of two 4-hour shifts a month.
Video addendum: Whilst a 2 year commitment from our volunteers contributes enormously toward ensuring we can provide consistent support to our Help Seekers, we understand this is not always possible. Given the time invested in training volunteer, we appreciate a minimum commitment from individual volunteers of 92 service hours per year based on 4 hrs per fortnight or an average of two 4-hour shifts a month.
You will be assigned a Team Leader who will coach you throughout your training, placement and even once you are a fully trained Crisis Supporter. In addition, you will always have support while on shift, as one of our qualified In-Shift Supervisors will be there to ask questions, intervene where necessary and debrief with you when you finish your shift.
- Make sure you understand the commitment involved in becoming a Crisis Supporter
- Register your interest and/or attend an information session
- Complete and submit your application. You will be asked to provide reference details, a Working with Children /Vulnerable People Check and a Police Check. For digital support volunteering, Lifeline uses a specific provider and does not accept police checks from other providers - details are supplied during the application process. (Note that these checks are at your own cost).
- Accept our offer to join the Lifeline family.
- Join the next available training date (we will notify you of the date once you have accepted your offer)
When volunteering for the Lifeline Text Service, either a PC or Mac computer can be used, requiring the latest operating system available. The minimum system requirement for a Mac is macOS10.14 or later; and a free app to connect to the remote desktop, Microsoft Remote Desktop . For PC the suggested system requirement is an up-to-date version of Windows, general a computer less than 6 years old.
It is highly recommended to have two computer monitors/screens, to run the text platform on one monitor, and on the second monitor to runs Teams, the program that we use to communicate with each other on shift. If you don’t have two monitors, then having a smartphone on shift as a back-up is important so that you can keep in contact with your shift supervisor, in case you have problems with Teams. It is also good if you have a camera with your computer, so that during training and once volunteering, you are able to chat face to face with your team leader or shift supervisor.
Having a stable and reliable internet connection is very important when considering volunteering for the Lifeline Text Service. It is useful to know the upload and download speed of your internet, and this can be easily checked using any internet speed check tool .
If you have any problems with your internet, it is also possible to hotspot your phone and all programs needed will run smoothly as required.
If you have any problems with your internet, it is also possible to hotspot your phone and all programs needed will run smoothly as required.
We welcome all applicants considering becoming a Digital Crisis Supporter and due to the flexibility of the role can support a variety of accessibility needs. Please send us through an email if you have any specific questions.
Becoming a Digital Crisis Supporter is perfect for those living in regional/remote areas in Australia. You can be located anywhere Australia-wide as long as you have the appropriate computer equipment and a stable and reliable internet connection.
Unfortunately, due to our security requirements and IT systems, we are not able to accept overseas applicants.
Unfortunately, due to our security requirements and IT systems, we are not able to accept overseas applicants.
If you are interested in volunteering as a Digital Crisis Supporter for Lifeline to complete the student placement component of your tertiary course – please read the information below.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We have limited capacity to support tertiary students beyond standard Crisis Supporter volunteering. Please also check that Crisis Support volunteering meets your education institution’s requirements. For further information contact digitalplacement@lifeline.org.au
STUDENT PLACEMENT COMMITMENT To undertake a tertiary student placement with Lifeline's digital service, the following commitment is required:
MORE ABOUT DIGITAL CRISIS SUPPORTER TRAINING
IMPORTANT NOTE: We have limited capacity to support tertiary students beyond standard Crisis Supporter volunteering. Please also check that Crisis Support volunteering meets your education institution’s requirements. For further information contact digitalplacement@lifeline.org.au
STUDENT PLACEMENT COMMITMENT To undertake a tertiary student placement with Lifeline's digital service, the following commitment is required:
- Complete Lifeline's digital crisis supporter training and placement.
- Complete a minimum of 100 hours of digital service delivery* - not including training.
- Complete 75% of shifts between the hours of 6pm – 6am.
- Lifeline's crisis support services are non-clinical.
- Our ability to supervise tertiary placement students is limited to our standard service delivery in-shift supervision and quarterly group supervision.
- Placement with our digital service means there is no face-to-face contact with clients, ongoing case management, or physical office space.
- All placement hours will be completed on a digital online platform at the placement student's location.
- We do not have the capacity to provide competency feedback to academic staff.
- It is the responsibility of the student to maintain any logbooks or time sheets and contact a team leader for verification once the required placement hours have been completed.
- Please ensure your education institution approves of Crisis Supporter hours for tertiary student placement hours.
- If required placement hours are less than our minimum commitment, we ask that a minimum of 100 hours of service* are completed in total, given the investment in training provided.
MORE ABOUT DIGITAL CRISIS SUPPORTER TRAINING
- Our digital services online training program is self-guided with approximately 4.5 hours of eLearning recommended per week depending on your schedule and pace. Support is provided on request.
- Volunteers are allocated a Training Lead at the commencement of their training.
- The recommended completion time for the training program is 8 to 12 weeks, which includes 5 to 8 weeks of self-paced eLearning; and 2 to 4 weeks of placement.
- A Training Completion Certificate is available after 52 service hours (approximately 13 Crisis Supporter shifts) are logged.
- Once an offer to volunteer is accepted within the volunteer hub (Rosterfy), applicants can then self-select into a training cohort. There are usually a range of start dates to select from.
Below are some of the competencies our Crisis Supporters aim to develop during training: General skills list: Connection, Rapport, Listening, Collaboration, Empowerment, Supportive, Context, Timing, Safety, Flexibility, Discernment, Emergency Action A combination of training and on-service experience provides volunteers with the opportunity to develop the following skills:
- Establishing a connection.
- Building rapport and trust with help seekers.
- Remaining present with help seekers whilst sitting with their distress.
- Uncovering and working collaboratively with help seekers to identify strengths, resources, and external supports.
- Building appropriate reframing and other micro skills.
- Empowering of help seekers.
- Supporting help seekers to reduce barriers.
- Asking and talking about suicide with good context and timing in a supportive manner.
- Creating safety plans in collaboration with help seekers.
- Responding to crime and emergency issues.
- Active listening
- Reflection of feelings
- Open and closed questions
- Paraphrasing
- Summarising
- Reframing
- Tentative challenges
To become a telephone volunteer crisis supporter for Lifeline's 24-hour Crisis Support service - 13 11 14 - you'll need to undertake extensive training, make a commitment to shifts, and meet further selection criteria. This is to ensure you'll be confident, skilled, and able to provide support to Lifeline's callers in their time of emotional distress and crisis. This is a very rewarding volunteer opportunity.
Lifeline has 41 centres around Australia in regional, remote and metropolitan areas.
To volunteer at your nearest Lifeline Centre or Lifeline shop, please contact your local Lifeline Centre to find out more about becoming a volunteer.
To volunteer at your nearest Lifeline Centre or Lifeline shop, please contact your local Lifeline Centre to find out more about becoming a volunteer.
Crisis Supporter Workplace Training (CSWT) is a national recognised training course which is based on adult learning principles and experiential learning. Successful completion results in Accreditation as a Lifeline Crisis Supporter and obtaining a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment in:
Lifeline is a Registered Training Organisation, Lifeline Australia RTO Code 88036. Lifeline centres subsidise the cost of the CSWT course, however a student contribution is required.
- CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
- CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- CHCCCS028 Provide client-centred support to people in crisis
Lifeline is a Registered Training Organisation, Lifeline Australia RTO Code 88036. Lifeline centres subsidise the cost of the CSWT course, however a student contribution is required.