Lifeline Australia Donation 2024
For this year’s Knitwear promotion, we are thrilled to announce that Fella Hamilton & its fabulous customers have raised an amazing $9,388!
Thank you for your incredible support & generosity!
David Hamilton, Sharon Hamilton & Susan Fleming with a cheque for Lifeline
Our Knitwear Promotion is an annual campaign where Fella Hamilton selects a charity to support. From May 16th to May 30th, 2024, $1 from each knitwear piece sold was donated to this year's chosen charity Lifeline Australia!
Given Lifeline's crucial role in providing free, 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services to all Australians in personal crisis, supporting this national charity was an easy decision. "At Fella Hamilton, we know that many of our customers and staff have a relative or friend who suffers from some form of mental illness, therefore this cause touches so many people within our business." says Sharon Hamilton.
We delve into this non-profit organisation and the remarkable impact it has on helping Australians in need, by speaking to and meeting with Susan Fleming, the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Campaigns based in Sydney.
Susan teamed up with Sharon and David at the Fella Hamilton factory and Head Office in Moorabbin on 20th June, where a grand cheque was proudly presented for $9,388! “The money raised will play a vital role in the delivery of face-to-face and digital suicide prevention and crisis support services at a time where we have never needed it more” said Susan.
1. What is Lifeline all about?
Lifeline is Australia’s leading crisis support and suicide prevention service, operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 43 centres around the nation as well as a 24/7 crisis text, webchat service and Support Toolkit. We’re involved in all aspects of suicide prevention and provide services including suicide prevention support, self-help resources and toolkits, mental health information and programs, training and advocacy. The 13 11 14 service now answers over 3,500 calls each day – about one every 30 seconds. Lifeline also receives over 600 contacts over our 24/7 digital crisis support services.
2. Working as the Head of Strategic Partnerships & Campaigns at Lifeline, what does your role entail, & how do you work with the community to achieve Lifeline’s goals?
My role enables Lifeline Australia to connect those who care with those in need. I work closely with our partners and supporters like Fella Hamilton to raise the much-needed funds to support 24/7 suicide prevention services, and to provide crucial moments of connection to any Australian in crisis – anytime, anywhere.
3. How long has Lifeline been around, & how did the organisation begin?
Lifeline began in 1963 after a man died by suicide in a Sydney suburb. A group of volunteers worked for nine months to create the service, which received its first phone call less than a minute after it opened. That first day, Lifeline answered more than 100 calls – and the phone hasn’t stopped ringing since.
4. What are Lifeline’s goals?
Lifeline Australia is committed to supporting help seekers. We aim to provide an integrated and easily accessible support system for those seeking help. Helplines are crucial in suicide prevention and crisis support. Our helpline and digital services often deliver essential early intervention, preventing the escalation of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
5. Suicidal thinking affects all age groups, but is there any difference in how Lifeline works with older age groups verses younger?
Lifeline doesn’t diagnose, judge, or give people medical advice, and the age of the individuals—whether older or younger—shouldn't be a factor. Instead, Lifeline listens to a person’s situation, provides relief from emotional distress and works with them on coping strategies. They will also refer callers to further services as appropriate. Our experience has shown us that it is through connection that we can find hope.
6. Who are our most vulnerable groups in Australia?
The Data & Statistics page on our website (link here) includes some confronting statistics that we have. Data such as:
- 75% of those taking their own life are male
- Males aged 85 and older experiencing the highest age-specific rate of suicide
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44
- People in rural populations are 2 times more likely to take their life by suicide
- An estimated 1 in 3 Australians reported feeling lonely.
7. What does Lifeline’s network look like across Australia, & how can someone reach out to Lifeline?
Lifeline’s network of 43 Centres, as well as staff and volunteers – including about 3,000 highly-trained Crisis Supporters – provide lifesaving national infrastructure for those experiencing immense pain and anguish. We ensure our Crisis Supporters are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to support people in crisis, as well as an awareness of the referral services available.
8. What if someone we know, looks like they need help?
We are available 24 hours a day across our phone (13 11 14), text (0477 13 11 14) or webchat (lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/) services seven days a week to listen to any person in Australia who is feeling overwhelmed, experiencing crisis or longing to be heard. Our website is a great first reference for many people, helping them navigate highly searched content. Topics such as depression, grief and loss, relationships, financial stress, and violence are readily available to read. Lifeline’s online Support Toolkit exemplifies the useful information we offer on these frequently searched topics.
9. How can a person get involved to support Lifeline further?
Check out our "Get Involved" page on our website, where you'll discover numerous ways to support Lifeline, including volunteering, donating, and fundraising – link HERE.
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