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The Crisis of Suicide in Australia
Somewhere in Australia there is a new call to Lifeline every minute. During April 2024, Lifeline recorded its biggest number of calls and requests for support in a single day.
Read Josh's story below
Will you help more people like Josh believe in tomorrow?
Last November, 22 year old Josh* found himself on a railway bridge contemplating suicide.
“In my mind, I was the problem, and I didn’t know how to fix myself. I was completely broken and alone.”
Josh had never felt this way before. He didn’t understand the feelings, and he didn’t think anyone else would either. He felt he had no one to turn to, and no choice but to carry the burden alone.
Thanks to Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland, Josh did have someone to talk to. Volunteer Crisis Support Worker, Lance, was working that night and took his call for help.
“When Josh called me, he was pacing near the bridge, and from speaking with him I was able to visualise where he was and almost put myself in the picture,” says Lance. “I could hear the pain in his voice. Josh hadn’t sought help from anyone before, or even told a friend or family member what had been happening, so he just desperately needed to vocalise what was going on.”
I regularly get calls like Josh’s where life has thrown such a hard-hitting curve ball that suicide feels like the only way out of the pain,” says Lance.
“A common theme with young people these days is that they’ve just not been able to connect with others who can help them through darker times, which is why our job as crisis support workers is just so important.”
Josh’s life was saved by his call to Lifeline that night, and his family, friends and workmates spared the heartache of losing someone they care about to suicide.
As a parent of young men myself, Josh’s call had a particular impact on me. I could tell Josh had his whole life ahead of him, and a family who cared deeply for him, yet in his desperation he felt so alone. He had Lifeline, though. We are always there.”
– Lance, Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland volunteer crisis supporter.
*name changed to protect privacy
1 in 2 young people impacted by suicide by age 25 [1]
Leading cause of death for ages 15-24 [2]
Over 3000 deaths annually [3]
9 lives tragically lost to suicide daily [3]
Partner with us today to give hope to Australians facing heartache and hardship
No one should have to face their darkest times alone. Here are five ways your gift today will change the lives of people in crisis.
Answer a life-saving crisis call
$39
Strengthen community suicide prevention
$149
Fund training for 10 people in suicide prevention
$290
Keep crisis centres open 24/7
$500
We urgently need your help
Every year, countless young lives in Australia are tragically cut short due to suicide, highlighting a grave and pressing issue that demands our immediate attention and action. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 24, with over 350 young people losing their lives to this preventable tragedy every year. [4]
Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and other disorders affect nearly 1 in 4 young Australians, profoundly impacting their daily lives, academic achievements, and future prospects. [5]
How your donation helps
24/7 Crisis Support: Your funds enable round-the-clock crisis support services, ensuring that help is always available for those in desperate need.
Counselling and Therapy: Donations help provide professional counselling and therapy sessions to individuals struggling with mental health issues, offering a lifeline to recovery.
Community Outreach Programs: Contributions support outreach programs that educate and empower communities to recognise and respond to the signs of suicide and mental health struggles.
Youth Programs: Your support funds specialized programs targeting young people, offering them the tools and resources they need to navigate their mental health challenges and build resilience.
Other ways to donate
Mailing Address
Wesley Mission Fundraising, PO Box A270 Sydney South NSW 1235
Download the Charitabl. app
Find it on the App Store or Google Play, search for “Wesley Mission” and swipe to give!
You can help ensure no call for help goes unanswered
Find out more
More information
At Wesley Mission, we believe that every life matters. Through our suicide prevention programs, we aim to help those at risk of suicide find the assistance they need.
From humble beginnings in Darlinghurst to a worldwide phenomenon, Lifeline has served the nation for over 60 years. As one of Australia’s busiest Lifeline centres, Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland answers an average of 45,000 calls every year. Our 314 Crisis Supporters are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people in need.
Our trained Telephone Crisis Supporters will:
Volunteer
Do you want to prevent suicide and give back to your community? Volunteer Crisis Supporters are the heart of Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland. As a fully accredited volunteer Crisis Supporter, you’ll respond to people in crisis on the phone, so no one faces their darkest times alone. You’ll listen to people in their time of need, without judgement, help them identify their next steps and encourage them to take positive action.
Wesley LifeForce- Join or establish a Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Network
Launched in 1995, Wesley LifeForce partners with local communities to raise awareness of suicide through prevention, intervention and postvention services, as well as equip individuals to recognise and respond to people at risk of suicide. We support over 130 networks across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote Australia.
Book suicide prevention training
Wesley LifeForce delivers community, workplace and healthcare suicide prevention training to educate and empower Australians to support someone at risk of suicide. With a focus on basic engagement skills and challenging attitudes towards suicide. Each course is regularly reviewed by our national advisory board. Empower your community or team against suicide today.
*Name, photo and some details changed to protect privacy
References
- Suicide Prevention Australia. “Stats and Facts.”
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. “Suicide Among Young People.”
- ABS,2022
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. “Australis Youth: Mental Illness.”
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