This October, which is also Mental Health Month, Lifeline Northern Beaches is calling on everyone to put their mental health first.
“We are experiencing a record number of crisis calls and a huge increase in demand for our local counselling services due to the impact of COVID,” says David Thomas, CEO of Lifeline Northern Beaches. While demand is increasing, David says that the positive aspect is people are reaching out for support.
Lifeline Northern Beaches provides crisis support and suicide prevention services from Kirribilli to Palm Beach. Along with the national telephone service 13 11 14, the Balgowlah offices provides local low cost counselling, support groups, free financial counselling, gambling counselling and the community visitors scheme.
“To offer these services we rely on the generous support of our community,” says David. “We are supported by hundreds of amazing volunteers who give their time to help others. We are also grateful for the financial support of donors.”
Last year, local not-for-profit Making Meditation Mainstream (MMM) ran an innovative meditation campaign called ‘28 for TWENTY EIGHT’ – challenging Australians to complete 28 meditations in 28 days and raise critical funds for Lifeline. It also earned the title of 2020 Northern Beaches Community Event of the Year. The event is happening again between 1-28 October, and everyone is encouraged to take part.
Jason Partington, Founder of MMM, is excited to continue his work bringing meditation to the mainstream community while supporting Lifeline. “We’re trying to dispel the view that meditation is only for certain people with certain interests,” says Jason. “Through projects like ‘28 for TWENTY EIGHT’, we can bring meditation to people in a way that’s inclusive, safe and welcoming – plus, raise money to support mental health along the way. “As well as raising money for suicide prevention services, you could be establishing a self-care practice that makes a difference in your own life every day.” There’s little doubt that Lifeline can make good use of every dollar raised.
“It costs $39 to answer a call to 13 11 14. While that can seem like a lot, it’s a small price to pay for a life-saving conversation,” says David Thomas. “So, we’re asking ‘28 for TWENTY EIGHT’ participants to consider making a small daily donation for the duration of the campaign. “Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support line receives a call every 30 seconds, so even a dollar a day can help to save a life.”
To register, simply visit the Making Meditation Mainstream website at 28for28.makingmeditationmainstream.com.au You will be able to access live guided meditations every day, plus mindfulness tips and more pre-recorded meditations throughout Mental Health Month.