Lifeline has an online toolkit, text and phone support services. Photo: stock
With Christmas upon us next week, Lifeline is bracing for a big spike in demand for its services from those feeling lonely.
And 2024 has been a record year in the 61-year history of the organisation.
Dr Anna Brooks is Chief Research Officer of the Lifeline Research Office and says loneliness and social isolation is the result of, or exacerbated, by several factors.
“While help seekers might not necessarily describe what they are experiencing as ‘feeling lonely’, many of the conversations with our crisis supporters reveal a sense of isolation and disconnection,” she says.
This is especially so for the Christmas season, she adds.
“Significant life changes such as a relationship breakdown, losing a loved one, even becoming a parent, financial hardship and health conditions are risk factors for a more isolated life.”
Lifeline CEO Colin Seery says eight of the top 10 of their busiest days were recorded this year.
“If you find the holiday season challenging, you’re not alone,” he says.
“In fact, the Christmas period is Lifeline’s busiest time of year. Last December, we received an average of one call every 30 seconds. Across our phone, text, and chat crisis support services, we received almost 150,000 contacts.”
Ending Loneliness Together (ELT) reports that one-in-four adults reported feeling persistently lonely this year; it defines persistent loneliness as feeling lonely for eight weeks or longer.
ELT Scientific Chair Associate Professor Michelle Lim says admitting to loneliness carries a stigma with it.
“Few people openly admit to feeling lonely but at least a quarter of our adult population are reporting persistent loneliness in 2024,” she says.
“It is important to understand that the experience of loneliness is not the same as being alone. It is possible to spend time by yourself but not feel lonely. Equally, you can be surrounded by many people, but still feel lonely.”
SUPPORT SERVICES
Lifeline offers 24/7 phone, text and webchat services and now an evidence-informed online Holiday Season Toolkit.
You can speak to a crisis supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, chat to Lifeline online or access a Support Toolkit at www.lifeline.org.au (all services are available 24/7).
Ending Loneliness Together was founded in 2016 by established leaders and experts and is now a national organisation underpinned by lived experience, research, community, government and health expertise. It too offers resources available on its website.
