Lifeline Mid Coast is built on a commitment to reach out to those in crisis, whenever they need it and wherever they are, offering real support when difficulties seem overwhelming.
Established in 1988, Lifeline Mid Coast contributes to the national crisis line 13 11 14, answering more than 16,000 callers in crisis a year. The centre provides targeted services such as Support After Suicide groups for those bereved by suicide, and a range of community training opportunities that raise awareness in suicide prevention and intervention, domestic violence and mental health.
Sadly, suicide remains a leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
We understand that a person can experience crisis for many reasons and research into suicide suggests that while there are reasons for crisis, two perceptions stand out as being leading factors in suicide; a sense of isolation and feelings of hopelessness.
Our approach to suicide is based on the belief that it is possible to either intervene or interfere in a suicide crisis through simple actions such as connecting with our callers and offering appropriate support. It is this simple approach and our willingness to listen that saves lives.
Lifeline Mid Coast funds suicide prevention and awareness programs through its retail arm and community fundraising.
Lifeline Mid Coast services a population of 190,000 people living on the Mid North Coast of NSW. The area we cover is from Nambucca Heads in the north to Bulahdelah in the South.
Lifeline Mid Coast offer a range of options to help, see links below.
Lifeline’s 13 11 14 service is staffed by trained volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporters who are ready to take calls Australia wide 24-hour a day, seven days a week.
Get help NOW
Monday - Sunday 7:00PM - 4:00AM
Chat online with a crisis supporter.
Support groups and annual Memorial Services for those bereaved by suicide. Learn suicide intervention skills. Suicide awareness events.
Life Matters
Lifeline Mid Coast has a long history of supporting people bereaved by suicide. Following the Christmas Memorial Service, held in Tinonee, there was a definite need seen in the Manning - Great Lakes area for more support for those who have been impacted by the suicide of a loved one. Now Lifeline is able to offer a Support After Suicide group in Taree that will meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 pm at 250 Victoria Street, Taree.
When you lose someone to suicide there are often extra issues faced by those left behind. We can feel that we don’t want to burden our friends with our grief anymore. Often however we still need to talk about our loss. In the Support After Suicide group there is the opportunity to talk about these extra issues. You can find others who understand what you’re experiencing and can’t bring up with family and friends. Sometimes we can’t speak at all, for there are no words to express the feelings we’re going through. The group may help you to sort through your grief and process your thoughts. It helps to know you’re not alone.
The group is conducted by trained facilitators who have also lost family members or friends to suicide.
The group will be held the third Wednesday of each month commencing 17th February, 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm at 250 Victoria Street, Taree.
Contact Lee-Ann at Lifeline Mid Coast, 6581 2800 or email lifematters@lifelinemidcoast.org.au if you’re interested in finding out more.
Black Dog Ride is a national suicide prevention charity.
Each year, Port Macquarie riders hit the highways to raise vital funds for Lifeline, and raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.
In March each year, Port Macquarie Black Dog Ride organiser Todd Taylor, coordinates the '1-dayer' ride for local motorbike enthusiasts and car lovers.
Todd Taylor is passionate about the ride, “Suicide is the leading cause of death in Australian’s under the age of 45 and I’ve experienced depression before. The Black Dog ride is very personal to me and a great way to bring people together and get the conversation about depression out into the open”.”
Suicide continues to be a significant issue in this country. It is estimated that there is a suicide attempt every ten minutes in Australia, and one in four Australians will experience a mental illness in any given year.
“Depression and thoughts of suicide are still very hard subjects for friends and family to talk about. It is up to all of us to break down the stigmas around these words. It is up to all of us to be able to listen and offer support, even if it’s just helping someone find the right person to help.” said Catherine Vaara, CEO of Lifeline Mid Coast.
“The Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer event has an important role in building awareness of this issue and encouraging Australians, particularly men, to seek help early.”
For more information, please phone Todd Taylor 0407 806 809 or email ncdoctodd@hotmail.com, or Lisa Willows at Lifeline Mid Coast, marketing@lifelinemidcoast.org.au
Each year Lifeline Mid Coast co-ordinates a local 'Out of the Shadows' - suicide prevention and awareness walk that takes place to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.
The walk aim to raise awareness for suicide prevention and remember those lost to suicide.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians under the age of 44.
You can make a difference in your local community by participating in our walk.
For more information about Out of the Shadows visit www.outoftheshadows.org.au
Ask directly "Are you thinking about suicide?"
This shows you care and encourages them to talk.
Listen closely & let them express their feelings.
Stay with them or find someone else reliable to stay with them.
Call Lifeline 13 1114 (24/7) 000 if life is in danger.
Get support for yourself too.
The training is done in such a special way that I feel inspired and empowered to see life in a different light. Now I can give help and support to others, which is so rewarding.
Marilyn Lloyd
The training exceeded my expectations and I have experienced great personal development since completing it and getting on the phones. I have gained more than I could ever have thought.
Barry Braund
