What Is Crisis Support

LLMWS Crisis Support Snapshot (April 2025 – April 2026)

Over the past year, 234 Crisis Supporters have continued to make an extraordinary impact across our service. Since April 25 – April 26 they have:

• Answered 59.083 calls
• Created 4,399 in response to suicidality. Safety issues addressed by Lifeline Australia include suicide, self-harm, domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, mental health crises, and other emergencies that pose a risk to individual or community well-being. Multiple safety issues may be discussed within a single call.
• Crisis Supporters logged a total of 22,041.81 hours

These figures speak volumes about the compassion, consistency, and dedication that each of our Crisis Supporters brings to every shift.

Lifeline National Performance (April 2025 – April 2026)

• 1,232.627 calls arrived
• 868,727 calls answered
• 363,900 calls abandoned
• 62,069 safety plans created for suicidality

Celebrating 5+ Years of Service

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to a group of volunteers who have been with us for over 5 years. Their long-term commitment and continued presence mean so much to us and to every person they’ve supported.

• Kerrie Frew
• David Lyons
• Sally Rickards
• Simone Robards
• Elizabeth Russo
• Perla Iwaner
• Tony Devlin
• Neeti Agarwal
• Ritesh Metha
• Jon Pollard

Volunteer Spotlight

Dianna Lawrenson volunteers twice a week at Parramatta. Dianna has kindly explained why she volunteers and the impact it has on her personally.

Inspired by my parents’ example, I began volunteering during my high school years, volunteering alongside both of my parents who have dedicated much of their lives to supporting others within the community. Growing up in this environment has definitely shaped my understanding of community support, compassion, and the importance of contributing.

My father has volunteered extensively through the Returned and Services League of Australia – the RSL community – where he coordinated support for war widows. He dedicated his time to assisting Legacy families, including driving war widows to appointments, social activities, and community events, ensuring they remained connected and supported.

My mother also gave generously through her volunteering with Australian Red Cross, working in a hospital canteen and as a companion escort for elderly individuals. She would stay with those who were unwell during hospital admissions and ensure they were safely supported and accompanied home.

My volunteer experiences have been with Salvation Army and Endeavour Foundation, supporting people with disabilities, and I became an active member of Scouts Australia. As a Venturer and later as a Scout helper, I developed a strong sense of teamwork, leadership, and community responsibility. My connection with Scouts continued into adulthood, where I volunteered as a parent helper with my own children participating as youth members. I also contributed to my children’s school community by volunteering at various events and activities. Currently, I continue this lifelong commitment to helping others through my role with Lifeline Australia as a Crisis Support Worker. In this role, I provide support to individuals experiencing emotional distress and crisis, offering a listening ear and a safe space during some of their most vulnerable moments.

I strongly believe volunteering plays an integral role in strengthening communities by bringing people together, supporting those who may be vulnerable, and helping to create a sense of belonging — that important human connection that is essential for well-being. Volunteering allows individuals and families to access resources, programs, supports, and opportunities that may not necessarily be available to them. In my experience, volunteering has bridged gaps in support services and local needs, contributing to a more inclusive society. Volunteers do this by offering time, skills, experiences, or simply being there to listen and be a companion — volunteering makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

It’s been my experience that volunteering has a profound impact on individuals and the wider community by building confidence, developing new skills, and providing a sense of fulfilment, purpose, and acceptance. It offers an opportunity to connect with others, allowing them to be part of the wider community and minimising their risk of isolation.

Volunteering is not just something I do; volunteering is not something I have to or should do. Volunteering is part of who I am — it reflects the values I was raised with and continues to shape how I engage with and support my community. Being able to contribute in a meaningful way is both a privilege and a responsibility, and it is something I’m deeply passionate about continuing.