New Training Centre, a Lifeline!

Lifeline Central Victoria & Mallee has a new training centre in Bendigo’s CBD.

Thanks to the assistance provided by Lisa Chesters MP, through the $10,000 Stronger Communities Grant, the new office has been painted and fitted out. Additionally, carpet and office furniture were kindly donated by the Bendigo Bank.

This new training centre will enable Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee to recruit and train a further 30 volunteers each year for the 13 11 14 hotline call centre and deliver an additional 10 community-focused, mental health and suicide prevention workshops.

Lifeline Central Victoria & Mallee has a team of accredited trainers who deliver domestic violence awareness, suicide intervention adn metal health first aid training throughout the region. The programs are often fully funded by partners and organisations who align with Lifeline’s purpose, however they also provide workplace and corporate training too.

Last year 64 dedicated volunteer crisis supporters, generously gave over 4,500 hours and answered 11,229 calls, for Central Victoria and Mallee residents.

Call volumes have increased significantly in the past year, Lifeline nationally has seen a 35% increase in calls being received compared to pre-pandemic times.

Calls from Victorians increased 52% in the past 12 months, well above the State’s population growth. Lifeline’s 13 11 14 hotline is a key part of the mental health system in Victoria.

Executive Officer, with Lifeline Central Victoria & Mallee, Lisa Renato commented that “We can now train more volunteers each year and for every volunteer who trains with us, we can provide crisis support to an additional 312 help seekers”.

The new centre was officially opened by Ms. Lisa Chesters today at 11am.

Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters said, “increasing access to mental health and suicide prevention supports in our region is vital. The Federal government’s support of Lifeline’s new centre will ensure more Central Victorian’s can get the support they need, when they need it most.”

Learn more about Lifeline Central Victoria & Mallee here - www.lifelinecvm.org.au