Lifeline New England North West North West’s first ever op shop in Glen Innes opens today, 25th August 2022.
Local people will be able to buy pre-loved homewares, fashion, manchester, electrical items, books and music to help fund Lifeline’s expanding local suicide prevention services. Shop proceeds help deliver 13 11 14 crisis line phone support, free counselling services, as well as community suicide prevention training and support programs.
Local woman, Georgia White is the new shop’s manager. Ms White made a tree-change to Emmaville from the Gold Coast 18 months ago. She fell in love with the New England North West while on holiday.
“I love the countryside, the rolling hills, the four seasons and the people,” Ms White said.
She brings 18 years’ hospitality and retail experience to the role.
“This is my dream job for two reasons. Firstly, I am an op shopper from way back. There isn’t an op shop I haven’t visited,” she said.
“Secondly Lifeline does so much for the community which I appreciate and value. I want to be a part of driving more awareness about mental health and support for people who need it.
“I didn’t realise how crucial Lifeline’s shops are to raising money to help Lifeline to do what it does – to be there for people.
“There’s more demand for Lifeline services and our shop will help to make sure that people can keep calling Lifeline to have someone listen to them, and to offer hope.”
Ms White is looking forward to working with her new team of volunteers and is always looking for more people to help. She is now also able to take donations of quality pre-loved items at the shop.
“Our amazing Lifeline shop volunteers mean more of our shop proceeds go back to funding our suicide prevention services. If anyone wants to serve at or work behind the scenes at the shop – even for just a few hours a week – I’d love to hear from them.”
“We’re particularly in need of donations of furniture and men’s clothing.
“Because we sell the items to raise funds, rather than donate them to people, we need donated goods to be in good condition.
She said that’s another benefit of op shops. Not only can people get a bargain, but items get another life, which is good for the environment.”
The Glen Innes shop is at 139 Lambeth Street near the BP service station and Home Hardware store. It will be open Monday to Saturday.
People wishing to volunteer at the shop can call Lifeline on 1300 152 854.
Nine Australians die every day by suicide and more than 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44. People in rural populations are two times more likely to die by suicide.
Support
- Lifeline 24-hour crisis support: Ph 13 11 14. Text: 0477 13 11 14. Chat online: www.lifeline.org.au
- Lifeline free counselling appointment bookings: 1300 152 854
- 13 Yarn (13 92 76) – An Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander-run service for people who are feeling no good.
- www.lifelinedirect.org.au/newengland