A higher calling
AS LIFELINE CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF HELPING AUSSIES, THE NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS IS RISING WITH THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS
Cost-of-living pressures are triggering a record demand for help, support and food across the nation as many Australians struggle to make ends meet. Data by Lifeline’s search engine shows there were more than 26,000 searches for assistance and support in January, the highest on record.
Referral searches by Lifeline’s helpline counsellors specifically relating to financial issues and homelessness went up 49 per cent between August and January.
The crisis support organisation – which celebrates its 60th birthday this week – is calling for more volunteers to work in their centres, due to the “significant increase in demand for financial support, including food distribution”, says Lifeline Australia CEO Colin Seery.
“We are seeing this happen right now, all across the country,” he says.
“Our centres are reporting an increase in help seekers who have never experienced financial stress before. And we know cost-of-living pressures also disproportionately impact the most vulnerable, including people who are unemployed, renters and young families.”
While demand for its services has remained high, volunteer hours are beginning to reduce.
“This is not unexpected, given the levels of volunteer fatigue coming out of lockdowns and the fact that people, now able to attend work and social events, have less free time,” Lifeline Australia director Chris Siorokos says. “The well-reported drop off in volunteering across Australia is impacting us, just as it is for other charities.
“We have estimated that we need an additional 100 crisis supporter hours per week to reach an above 90 per cent call answer rate, based on current call levels. This is the equivalent of 25 crisis supporters doing four-hour shifts.”
ON THE FRONTLINE
People like Tess Jackson, 28, have been more than willing to lend a hand in a crisis and are encouraging more people to do the same.
The Sydney-based program manager works full-time and volunteers for a four-hour shift at Lifeline every fortnight. She shares what it is like to be a volunteer.
“The pandemic left a destructive path of humanitarian, social and economic crises … Australians were impacted in a multitude of ways, and it became clear to me how many people were struggling psychologically,” Jackson says.
“I simultaneously recognised my privilege and realised I was in a position to help and contribute, so I signed up for a Lifeline information session and the rest is history.”
She says being a volunteer crisis supporter is often rewarding, but doesn’t come without challenges. Her second phone call was from a young girl who was suicidal.
“She was coherent and relaxed when I picked up the phone, and it wasn’t obvious that she was in the process of ending her own life,” Jackson says.
“After about 15 minutes, her voice began to fade, she became extremely confused and her breathing changed. We alerted emergency services and were able to provide her with the help she needed in time. I truly believe Lifeline’s service saved her that day.”
Then there was the gentleman whose home was affected by last year’s floods. “He was standing in his flood-damaged house, with his phone about to be cut off, $10 to his name and waiting on a government disaster payment,” Jackson says. “His stress levels were high and he didn’t know how he was going to get his next meal, expressing he just couldn’t do it anymore. I sat with his pain, and we organised a welfare check to keep him safe.”
ANSWER THE CALL
Confronted with crises on every shift, Jackson is constantly reminded of her faith in humanity.
“From the strength of callers on their darkest days and the power of connection between two humans, to being able to provide a safe space for someone and working with them to explore options for support,” she says.
“It’s an honour and privilege to take calls from Australians in their time of crisis.”
Motivational psychologist Eve Ash says volunteering can be beneficial. “Mental health is so prominent and covers a wide range of emotions, from feeling down or general anxiety to dealing with extreme trauma,” she says.
“Volunteering as a health and wellbeing support can provide us with a sense of perspective as we seek to deal with issues in our own life.”
If you or someone you know are feeling overwhelmed, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. To volunteer or donate, visit lifeline.org.au