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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

• 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

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

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.

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.