The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) has provided Australian residents, such as those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, with better access to crisis support service Lifeline.
In conjunction with NRMA Insurance, the RACV provided $2 million in funding to Lifeline in order to improve people’s access to life changing support.
The funding would enable Lifeline to provide more than 8000 telehealth appointments to Australians in communities affected by droughts, bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lifeline were also able to provide training for up to 3000 people in communities across the country, with a focus on residents who have regular contact with other community members in order to help them recognise signs of mental illness and provide assistance.
The organisation also received funding to extend the operating hours of its text service, allowing 24-hour contact for those in need for the first time.
Lifeline regional general manager Jason Doherty said the events of the last two years have impacted Lifeline, with the organisation receiving more than 3000 calls per day on average.
“In any given day we are supporting people who might be dealing with crisis, loneliness, isolation or even suicide,” he said.
“With this support we have been able to expand our services to those who need it most.”
