New Lifeline shop in Armidale to help fund local suicide prevention services
Local people will be able to buy quality, pre-loved, goods and help fund local expanding local suicide prevention services when Lifeline opens its first Armidale shop in Beardy Street on next month.
Lifeline’s regional general manager, Michael Were, is calling for donations of goods and for volunteers interested in helping at the shop.
The shop will sell bric-a-brac, fashion, manchester, furniture and books. Mr Were said because Lifeline sells the items, rather than giving them away, donated goods need to be saleable and in good condition.
“Many people don’t often realise that local Lifeline services rely on funds from our shops and community donations,” Mr Were said.
“Funds raised helps us to pay for local 13 11 14 crisis line phone support as well as community programs,” he said.
He said the shop opening is another important step in Lifeline’s plan to bring more suicide prevention and crisis support services to Armidale and other parts of the New England.
“Lifeline also offers free face-to-face and video counselling to people across the New England.”
“The shop has some space for us to develop a support hub for more services in the future.”
Mr Were said Lifeline shops run thanks to generous support from local volunteers.
“We’d love to hear from people who want to serve or work behind the scenes in our shops – even for just a few hours a week.”
“Working in a Lifeline shop is a great way to meet new friends whilst contributing to a much-needed community service gives people with hope.”
Business New England president, Aileen MacDonald, welcomed the news of a Lifeline shop.
She said Lifeline is there for people in times of crisis, and the need for its services is huge in regional areas.
Lifeline shops have become a unique and popular part of regional shopping. I’m sure the store will be a welcome attraction to Beardy Street,’ Ms MacDonald said.
Lifeline plans to have the shop open in the second half of the month. It will also open a shop in Tamworth later in the year.
The Armidale shop will be at 96 Beardy Street. People wishing to donate goods or to volunteer should call Lifeline on 1300 152 854.