Meet Sonny, one of Lifeline’s 4,500 Crisis Supporters. Motivated to volunteer for Lifeline after losing a close friend to suicide in 2021, Sonny made the decision to turn his grief into powerful action by becoming a Crisis Support Volunteer later that year.
Lifeline Crisis Supporters are volunteers that provide support and offer hope to people in their darkest moments. With over 3,500 calls, chat message and texts received from Australians in crisis every day; Lifeline and volunteers like Sonny have never been needed more.
After joining Lifeline three years ago, Sonny has found volunteering to be a powerful way to connect and learn.
“It’s been amazing to volunteer. I’ve learned so much, dealing with a lot of interactions from our help seekers. I’ve met some amazing people through Lifeline. The care framework, the support from my team leader, and also from our in-shift supervisors who look after you when you first start your shift and guide you to help you if there’s any escalations, has just been amazing,” reflects Sonny.
Sonny has also furthered his incredible impact by taking on The Push-Up Challenge and raising funds for Lifeline in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
“It’s a great way to come together as a community and raise awareness of mental health.
Sonny sees firsthand the benefits of taking on The Push-Up Challenge to highlight the vital service Lifeline provides to those in crisis.
“Every dollar raised helps Lifeline provide much needed support. I’d encourage everyone to join Team Lifeline in 2024 and help raise awareness of Lifeline and the importance of looking after your mental health.”
Every 30 seconds, a person in Australia reaches out to Lifeline for help. Lifeline is available 24 hours a day to listen, without judgement, to any person in Australia who is feeling overwhelmed, experiencing crisis or longs to be heard.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or text on 0477 13 11 14.
