FLOODING on the Mid North Coast is just the latest disaster to hit the region, leading to an increase in desperate calls to Lifeline North Coast’s helpline.

This powerful natural disaster, added to the stresses of two years of Covid-related ‘un-normal’ life is pushing people to their limits of coping.

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“On a local level Lifeline North Coast is answering nearly double the calls as our volunteer Crisis supporters are responding to those who are experiencing emotional distress due to the floods, isolation and being separated from loved ones,” Angela Martin, Communications and Community Engagement Manager Lifeline North Coast (NSW) told News Of The Area.

“Every call is a call for help.

“We have never been so stretched.

“But as calls increase, we have reduced capacity to respond.”

Lifeline North Coast is urging those who can, to sign up for training and learn the skills to help your family, friends, the community and your work colleagues.

“Lifeline North Coast needs to rapidly respond at scale to be able to answer every call, to be the voice of reassurance, hope, and practical help.”

Every 30 seconds, a person in Australia reaches out to Lifeline for help, by calling the Lifeline Crisis phone line 13 11 14 – pronounced thirteen eleven fourteen.

The Lifeline Crisis Phone Line is available to anyone experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Lifeline exists so that no person must face their darkest moments alone.

“But right now, we need our community’s support to continue the work we do, on a local scale at Lifeline North Coast – every dollar donated, and every volunteer helps save a life, by contributing locally you are making a difference in our community,” said Angela.

“One way you can do this is by signing up to become a volunteer or enrol into our skill based eWorkshops.

“Our dedicated training programs are facilitated by accredited trainers who work with participants to promote an inclusive culture or workplace that destigmatises mental health issues and encourages help-seeking.”

View Lifeline’s upcoming workshops on their new website – lifelinenorthcoast.org.au/training.

Building on the broader local strategy, Lifeline North Coast recently held a collaborative meeting with CEO Michael ‘Miko’ Smith and Lifeline North Coast Ambassadors.

“Watch this space as a collective team of management and volunteers roll out a strategy of events, services, training, and support that will help prevent suicides and those suffering emotional distress,” said Angela.

By Andrea FERRARI