Name change for local Lifeline

THE region’s mental health and crisis telephone support service, Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee, has undergone a name change.

From now on, the volunteer-run service will be known as Lifeline Loddon Mallee.

“The board decided to change the local Lifeline centre’s name from Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee to better identify the region and the communities we support with our critical suicide prevention services,” said board chair Jan Boynton.

“Our local Lifeline has always provided the 13 11 14 crisis support for this region and beyond, and this name change allows us to build greater awareness across the breadth of the Loddon Mallee region.”

Bendigo’s Lifeline office received 18,000 calls in 2021, the same year Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that 86 people in the Loddon Mallee region died by suicide.

As part of the local response to ongoing challenges posed by mental health and wellbeing issues, there are plans to open a Mildura-based satellite office of Lifeline Loddon Mallee.

In 2022 it’s estimated that Lifeline will answer more than one million calls Australia-wide and executive officer Lisa Renato said the service was now more important than ever.

“If you know someone who might be having a tough time, please reach out to them and encourage them to seek help,” she said.

“By checking in, you are showing them that you care and that can truly make all the difference.”

If you or somebody around you needs support, you can call Lifeline’s 24/7 hotline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.

You can also visit beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636. Help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by calling 1800 55 1800.