All mobile calls to Lifeline (a 24-hour telephone crisis support service) from anywhere around Australia are now free, after an agreement between the three major phone carries, Telstra, Optus and Vodaphone Hutchison. This initiative was introduced to help eliminate a potential barrier that people faced when trying to seek help and support in times of crisis and need and comes with the announcement of $18.2 million of government funding over the next three years.
The funding boost will assist Lifeline in increasing their capacity to deal with a greater number of calls, support free calls from mobiles and relieve potential financial burden. About a quarter of the 114,000 calls to Lifeline each year are made from mobile phones. Providing access to free calls will increase the capacity for callers to wait for someone to talk to and their ability to call even if they don�t have phone credit or money.
For more information about Lifeline or to access online support services go to their website from the link below.
If you or someone you know needs emotional support call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14. If your life or the life of another person is in immediate danger, contact police or ambulance on 000.
