Yesterday, Local Member for the Federal seat of Wentworth, Allegra Spender cut the ribbon to officially open the new Bondi Junction site, the newest arm in Lifeline’s national crisis support network.
The new member for Wentworth Ms Spender was joined by distinguished guests, including Member for Coogee Dr Marjorie O’Neill, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, his wife and former chief of the Greater Sydney Commission Lucy Turnbull along with their daughter and author Daisy Turnbull. The guests were joined by Lifeline Patron John Brogden to officially launch the new site which is now up and running and taking calls from people in crisis.
The Bondi centre will take calls from people in distress from all over Australia and enable Lifeline to answer more calls from people reaching out for help in their darkest moments.
The site will host teams of six Crisis Supporters in addition to specialised In-Shift Supervisors who will provide psychological support to volunteers and other key staff.
Ms Spender said she was delighted that Wentworth has now become part of Lifeline’s crisis support network.
“Wentworth is home to so many incredible, talented and generous people and I am delighted that there is now a site where local people can volunteer and support the incredible work Lifeline do all over Australia,” said Ms Spender.
The idea to open a crisis support centre in the Eastern Suburbs was formed by Daisy Turnbull who has been a Crisis Support volunteer for three years and recognised interest in the local community for deeper understanding and help for those in need of support.
“There has never been a more crucial time for Australians to understand the importance of helping each other, to listen empathetically and learn how to speak about mental health the way we would about a physical illness,” said Ms Turnbull.
“I encourage the wonderful people of the Eastern Suburbs to engage with and support this new site and I am so excited to watch it build those important local connections and strengthen this great community.”
Peter Allen, Scentre Group CEO, said that hosting the Lifeline site at Westfield in Bondi Junction aligned closely with the organisation’s values.
“We actively encourage and equip our team members with the confidence and capabilities to engage and support themselves and each other and having a Lifeline site in our Bondi Centre is another way of living our values and prioritising people’s wellbeing safety above all else,” said Mr Allen.
The Bondi site is currently looking to onboard 20 more Crisis Support volunteers - to find out more about volunteering for the Bondi-based site or to register your interest, visit https://lifelinedirect.org.au/....
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 11 14 (24 hours/7 days), text 0477 131 114 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au (24/7).
Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, with 41 centres around the nation. The service expects to respond to over one million requests for support this year, creating an average of 120 safety plans to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe every day.
