Lifeline needs volunteers

Lifeline Gippsland chief executive officer Michelle Possingham is calling for more volunteers as crisis line call numbers remain high.

Recently published census data reveals that there has been a 19 per cent decline in formal volunteering since 2016.

The reduction in volunteers surged when the pandemic reached Australia, and many volunteers have not returned. This has caused significant problems for Lifeline Gippsland, which receives about 25 per cent of the funding required to operate Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis line.

To make up for the funding shortfall, the organisation operates six charity retail stores across Gippsland and relies upon the goodwill of volunteers to keep these operational.

Ms Possingham said volunteers are the backbone of the organisation.

“The current shortage of volunteers across our warehouse and retail stores has significantly restricted our ability to raise vital funds to ensure that no one has to face their darkest moment alone,” she said.

In 2022 calls to Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis line reached record-breaking levels, and demand remains high. Ms Possingham reports that this increase coincided with a decrease in the number of queries received about becoming a crisis phone volunteer.

“There is a common misconception that you have to be experienced in mental health to become a volunteer on the phones,” Ms Possingham said.

“Lifeline provides world-class training and ongoing support to all phone volunteers, and people with a wide range of life experiences join us in supporting people/are part of the volunteer team that supports people through difficult times.”

Australian National University’s COVID-19 Impact Monitoring Survey Program revealed that 36 per cent of people reported that they had felt lonely in 2021. One of the many recognised benefits of volunteering includes building social connections through the development of new friendships.

“If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, now is the time. We have a wide range of volunteer roles available across retail, warehousing, driving, events and crisis phone support. You are invited to join an organisation that has served the Gippsland region for 54 years.”

“Put simply - we need your help,” Ms Possingham said.

To learn more about volunteering, or to express interest visit www.llg.org.au or call 51363 500.