Lifeline is increasing its local presence to assist communities affected by the bushfires in Victoria and is encouraging anyone impacted, directly or indirectly, to seek support when they feel ready.
Lifeline Loddon Mallee has opened a temporary support hub to ensure the community has access to free, non-judgemental crisis support. The temporary support centre is open 11am-5pm Daily at Castlemaine Town Hall, Lyttleton Street Castlemaine. For updates visit www.facebook.com/lifelinelm/.
Lisa Renato, Lifeline Loddon Malley CEO, acknowledges the devastating impact of the fires on individuals, families and communities.
"The bushfires have caused significant loss, disruption and uncertainty to many. Our thoughts are with everyone affected during this difficult time. When people are ready, support is available. Lifeline is here to listen."
Dr Anna Brooks, Lifeline Australia's Chief Research Officer, highlighted that the impact of bushfires often extends beyond those directly in fire-affected areas.
"Whether you are experiencing the fires directly or indirectly, these experiences can be distressing. Feeling overwhelmed in these circumstances is a natural response."
Dr Brooks also highlighted that for people with previous experience of natural disasters, current events can bring back difficult memories or emotions, sometimes long after the immediate danger has passed.
"It's important to know that seeking support is just as valid weeks, months or even years later. There is no timeline for recovery."
Lifeline's dedicated 13HELP (13 43 57) phone line is also available to support Australians affected by extreme weather events or natural disasters, alongside Lifeline's broader crisis support services.
Lifeline also offers a Natural Disaster Toolkit within its online Support Toolkit, providing practical, evidence-based information and strategies to help people manage the mental health impacts of natural disasters. Since the fires in Victoria, Lifeline has seen a significant increase in people accessing this resource.
"Seeing more people use these resources shows the strength of our communities in reaching out for support and looking after one another." Dr Brooks said.
Access Lifeline's Natural Disaster Toolkit here: https://ll.org.au/natural-disasters
If you, or someone you know are feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to connect with Lifeline in the way you feel most comfortable.
You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 HELP (13 43 57), Lifeline's 24/7 dedicated support line for people living through bushfire recovery or struggling to cope with an extreme weather-related event.
You can also contact Lifeline via 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au.
About us:
ABOUT LIFELINE
For over 60 years, Lifeline has been connecting with Australians, offering free and confidential one-to-one crisis support for people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Trained crisis supporters listen without judgement 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As well as operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 43 Centres around the nation, the organisation also delivers 24/7 crisis text, webchat and a Support Toolkit. Lifeline expects to respond to over 1.4 million requests for support this year, creating an average of 120 safety plans a day to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe.
