Following Arc's $30,000
Christmas donation to Lifeline WA in December 2020, we are proud to be continuing our support of this important cause to address the stigma around mental health and help prevent suicide in regional Western Australia.
Each year, Arc's support will fund the training and ongoing support of 12 highly skilled Lifeline WA Telephone Crisis Support Volunteers and the delivery of 12 safeTALK sessions in our communities (four each year of the partnership).
Lifeline’s amazing Telephone Crisis Support Volunteers listen to callers without judgment and work with them to explore their options for support. Telephone crisis supporters undergo almost 180 hours of training over 12 months to enable them to answer calls. The training ensures volunteers are qualified to provide people in need of support with a safe space to discuss their needs, worries or concerns.
SafeTALK sessions are half-day workshops that expand the reach of suicide intervention skills by teaching attendees how to identify someone at risk and link them to life-saving resources. Lifeline is planning to organise this Arc Infrastructure supported training in regional locations around the State’s freight rail network.
Lifeline WA Chief Executive Officer Lorna MacGregor said the Partnership with Arc Infrastructure would be invaluable in providing 24-hour crisis support to those in crisis and fostering emotional wellbeing in WA.
“Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives,” Ms MacGregor said.
“With the support of Arc Infrastructure, we can educate Western Australians to understand the importance of suicide alertness and identify ways people can sometimes invite help when they’re at risk and train more Lifeline WA volunteers to help continue support our community.”
Arc Infrastructure Chief Executive Officer Murray Cook acknowledged the significant work of Lifeline WA and the impact it has had across the State.
“Lifeline WA save lives every day by directly supporting people experiencing a personal crisis and raising awareness of suicide prevention in Western Australia,” Mr Cook said.
“We’re pleased to be able to help fund the training of several Lifeline WA telephone crisis support volunteers who support the mental health of those living in regional areas by starting conversations about the other support services Lifeline WA offers.”
The partnership was announced at a special morning tea event held at Arc's head office.
Lifeline’s 24/7 telephone crisis support service is available on 13 11 14.