What we do
Community programs, education and training.
Lifeline Connect
Lifeline CONNECT is an innovative mobile outreach service which brings supports directly to where people live, work and gather, ensuring accessibility for individuals, small towns and communities with limited local services.
We recognise the importance of early intervention, social connection and accessible referral pathways in regional and rural communities.
Lifeline CONNECT's unique strength is that it is a free service that can operate from anywhere, car parks, town squares, farms, workplaces and community events, reducing barriers of transport, distance and stigma.
Lifeline CONNECT will aim to provide early intervention and prevention supports to reduce suicide risk and improve community wellbeing by:
- Offering a mobile first point of contact
- Delivering non-clinical, face to face support and referral pathways
- Supporting community connection and inclusion
- Building community capacity by having a volunteer base trained in suicide prevention, wellbeing and crisis response
- Creating a bridge between services and residents
Lifeline CONNECT welcomes invitations from Councils and Local Government Areas to attend community gatherings, mental health and wellbeing initiatives and to respond to significant events which impact the whole community.
For all enquiries regarding our Lifeline Connect Service, please call us on 08 8723 2299 or email us on reception@lifelinese.com.au
“I saw Lifeline as a means of, possibly, helping my children face life a little easier than I did. I loved the training I received at Lifeline. As a Lifeline crisis supporter, something that is often seen as a deficiency, becomes our strength. Our lived experience can help others. It is such a good feeling to know you’ve contributed in a positive way in someone’s life, sometimes it’s just someone to break the routine of a lonely day. Sometimes it can be a person who is having suicidal thoughts”
-Dean, Connect Program Volunteer
Gambling Help Service
The Limestone Coast Regional Gambling Help Service offers support for individuals and families who have been impacted by gambling harm. Services are individually tailored to suit each person’s situation and goals in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. Appointments are available for gambling help therapeutic counselling, financial counselling and peer support. All our services are free of charge and are available across the Limestone Coast region.
- We are a team of qualified therapeutic and financial counsellors who have extensive experience and knowledge about gambling.
- We provide free and confidential counselling for people experiencing gambling harm.
- We provide support for family and friends who are worried about another’s gambling behaviours.
- We offer support to access barring programs and self-help strategies.
- We have a peer worker who provides support and understanding through their own lived experience in gambling harm.
Who can use our services?
The services are available to individuals, couples, families and friends who are seeking help and support and are directly affected by gambling harm. We provide information and education to government agencies, community organisations and the gambling industry.
Individual and Family Counselling
- Strategies to help minimise harm or refrain from gambling
- Goal setting
- Support to help work through any underlying issues related to gambling
- Referral to specialist support services
Financial Counselling
- Financial literacy information and education
- Budgeting assistance
- Support and advocacy in dealing with creditors and government agencies
- Help finding solutions to financial matters
Barring
We can assist you with barring applications for self-exclusion from gaming venues, Tabcorp, Tatts/Lotteries and Australian online gambling sites.
Community Education
Community education is available to groups and organisations seeking to increase their awareness, knowledge and skills in assisting others affected by gambling harm. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Gambling Self Help Tips
- Limit the amount of money available when you gamble
- Cut down the number of days and time you spend gambling
- Do not think of gambling as a way to make money
- List activities you enjoyed before you started gambling
- Plan out and include the enjoyable activities in your life
- Don’t chase your losses, walk away
- ASK FOR HELP
Is gambling affecting you or someone you know?
- Have you used your money to gamble instead of paying bills or buying food?
- Do you gamble to escape worries or other uncomfortable feelings?
- Are you increasing your spending on bets or gambling more often?
- Are you concerned about a partner, friend or relative’s gambling behaviour?
- Is gambling affecting your relationships with family or friends?
- Have you lost time from work because of gambling?
- Have you gambled money to meet your financial obligations?
- Have you borrowed money to gamble?
- Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling?
- Have you sold personal or household goods to finance your gambling?
Gambling Help Peer Worker
If you’re experiencing harm from gambling or affected by someone else’s gambling, a peer worker can be a supportive first step. Gambling Help Peer Workers have been through similar experiences and truly understand what you’re going through. You can talk to them without fear of judgement- they’ll listen, support you and guide you toward support options that suit your needs. Whether you’re ready to make a change or just need someone to talk to, a peer worker can walk alongside you, offering empathy, hope and practical help.
We understand that it can be difficult to ask for help
CONTACT US to help ease the emotional, physical and financial stress you may be experiencing. We offer in person, telephone and online appointments across the Limestone Coast
Contact us to make an appointment
08 8723 2299 or email reception@lifelinese.com.au
GAMBLING HELPLINE - 24/7 telephone service – FREE – CONFIDENTIAL
Phone 1800 858 858
Gambling Help Online – available 24/7 – Online Chat Service
Care Ring
The Lifeline Care Ring Program provides regular daily or weekly phone calls to individuals who may be feeling isolated or simply in need of a friendly check-in to see how they are doing.
This vital service depends entirely on the dedication of our volunteers, who play an essential role in ensuring that no one feels alone or unsupported. Through compassionate connection and consistent contact, the Care Ring Program helps foster a sense of belonging and reassurance for those who may otherwise feel isolated.
What is Care Ring Service
A friendship service providing personal telephone contact for persons living alone.
A security check and a cheerful “Hello” from someone who cares.
When are Care Ring calls?
Calls are made Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 10:00am
Who is eligible?
- Anyone living alone
- Those who are isolated or elderly
- Those who have temporary or long-term health conditions
- Those who have little contact with the community
How does Care Ring Work?
A Care Ring Volunteer will provide you with a friendly phone call at a pre-arranged time and day. If the call is not answered within the scheduled timeframe, an emergency contact will be notified to ensure your wellbeing and safety.
Enquiries or to apply for the Care Ring service can be made by contacting:
Lifeline South East on 08 8723 2299 or email reception@lifelinese.com.au
“After my mum passed away, having been a recipient of the Care Ring calls, I really saw the value in the service. I wanted to give back, so I made the decision to volunteer. I love ringing the Care Ring clients and seeing how they are doing and what they are up to for the week”
-Helen, Care Ring Volunteer
Care Ring Volunteers
“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace” – Dalai Lama
Social Sprout
This fortnightly social connection program provides a warm and welcoming space for community members to connect, participate in art and craft activities, enjoy games, and build meaningful friendships.
The Social Sprout was developed as an alternative to gambling environments and has demonstrated strong outcomes in reducing social isolation. Pilot data showed that 99% of participants enjoyed attending, and 97% felt more connected to their community.
Whether you’re seeking a safe place to meet new people or just a welcoming space to unwind, The Social Sprout invites you to drop in and join us.
Sessions run fortnightly on a Tuesday from 2-4pm at Lifeline, 5 Mark Street, Mount Gambier.
For catering purposes please RSVP by calling us 8723 2299 or email reception@lifelinese.com.au
The Social Sprout: Connecting Community and Combating Loneliness
Loneliness affects around one in three Australians, with one in six experiencing severe loneliness. While loneliness is a natural part of life, it can have significant negative effects on both physical and emotional wellbeing, regardless of age.
Finding a comfortable and welcoming space to meet new people and build social connections can often be challenging. Social Sprout provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can gather, be themselves, and enjoy meaningful conversations over afternoon tea, with no pressure to participate beyond simply showing up.
The Social Sprout continues to foster strong social connections within the community. Art and craft activities provide a creative, hands-on experience, while others may prefer to relax with a cup of tea and a friendly conversation.
As human beings, social connection is essential to our wellbeing. The Social Sprout offers a friendly, alcohol-free, and gambling-free environment where people can take a break from daily stresses and enjoy the company of others.
Training - Accidental Counsellor
Accidental Counsellor is aimed at those who would like to be able to safely and effectively support friends, family, colleagues, and strangers who are in distress or experiencing a crisis. The course will provide you with basic skills and a structure to enable you to provide immediate support and assistance using the ‘Recognise, Respond, Refer’ model.
The skills learnt in the Accidental Counsellor course can be applied in many contexts, and will provide participants with skills in active listening, calming and effective gentle questioning. You will also learn how to ask openly about suicide risk and respond safely whatever the answer. The course is open to anyone, and no pre-existing skills or knowledge are required.
Delivery Accidental Counsellor uses a blended training model to provide effectiveness and convenience.
Total Course Duration 5-hour blended learning
Structure eLearning: 1.5 hours online, self-directed Group session: 3.5 hours delivered in person or virtually by Lifeline trainers.
Outcome Participants are provided with basic skills to support someone in emotional crisis by learning how to recognise, respond and refer to an appropriate service. Participants also learn how to confidently and safely ask about suicide.
Enquiries regarding the accidental counsellor service can be made by contacting Lifeline South East on 08 8723 2299 or email reception@lifelinese.com.au
This course is not intended to train participants to be a counsellor. Outcome Participants are provided with basic skills to support someone in emotional crisis by learning how to recognise, respond and refer to an appropriate service. Participants also learn how to confidently and safely ask about suicide. **We can also tailor the course to suit your corporate environment.
Prisoner Listener Program
The Prisoner Listener Program is an award-winning peer support initiative that has supported Mount Gambier Prison’s broader suicide prevention strategies since 1995.
Built on a long-standing partnership between Lifeline South East and G4S, the program trains and supports carefully selected prisoners to become Listeners.
The Prisoner Listeners are peers who are there to lend a listening ear and provide emotional support to fellow prisoners. Whether someone is struggling with their mental health, feeling isolated, or experiencing thoughts of suicide, the Listeners can offer care, connection, and hope.
A safe place to be heard
We’re Here for You
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, please know that help is available and there is hope. Lifeline is here to listen and support you—no matter what you’re going through.
We Listen Without Judgment
Lifeline provides confidential crisis support 24 hours a day, accessible to anyone across Australia. Whether you are contemplating suicide, experiencing emotional distress, or caring for someone in crisis, we encourage you to reach out by call, text, or online chat.
If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000)