Weekly wrap - 10 December 2017

The past week has seen three Lifeline Canberra Board Directors and myself return to study. For me it has been 16 years since I last opened a textbook. In fact the closest I have been to one is at our EPIC Bookfairs. It’s been a fantastic experience thus far (although ask me later when I’ve completed the assessment) and is a meaningful investment into Lifeline Canberra and its future. We have a bold and aspirational strategic plan in play and I am struggling to keep it to myself. I look forward to sharing our big news in the coming weeks.

Lifeline Canberra exists to support people in crisis and save the lives of those experiencing thoughts of suicide. We also provide support to anyone who calls our 13 11 14 support service. I want to remind everyone that our crisis supporters listen with care and acceptance, whatever the circumstance. So, as we rapidly move into the year’s end, if you need someone to talk to or if you’re feeling at odds or overwhelmed, please call 13 11 14. This is a difficult time of the year for many people. Feelings of isolation or grief of loved ones lost can escalate. Please look after yourself and reach out if you are not feeling yourself.

In order to provide the invaluable Lifeline service within our community, we rely heavily on people (like yourselves) to help us through volunteering. We will provide you world-class training and significant ongoing support. You will acquire skills and confidence for use in every day work/home life. Please take some time to think this festive season about whether you would like to help others in crisis. We would love to have you join the Lifeline Canberra family. Last week we ran an information session for people interested in becoming Lifeline Crisis Supporters. We had a great 65 members of the community attend and we thank them for their interest in supporting their community. We will run a second information session on 5 December and if you have a desire to help, please join us and learn more about the crisis support centre and our world-class training, and hear from some of our wonderful crisis supporters. See our website or contact me for details. There are training courses that will run throughout next year, in various formats to suit your schedule, so please get in touch if you have any questions.

This week the Crisis Support Centre has been a hive of activity, delivering crisis support at all hours to those who need a helping hand.

This week, we also delivered three days of Domestic Violence Alert training to 20 participants working in various roles and organisations in the Canberra community. I wrote recently about the importance of this training, which helps people to recognise some of the signs of domestic violence and equips them with some knowledge and skills in how they can help and support victims.

On Saturday, we held our fourth annual Fun Run. It was indeed a fun event, with almost 900 people joining us for the marathon, half marathon 10km and 5km events. Race HQ was a hive of activity with these amazing participants as well as our many volunteers, food stalls and sponsors. A key highlight for me was the 5k event warm up, which was led by the divine Becky from Club Lime and seven of Canberra’s best mascots—Gymmy PT (Club Lime), Victor the Viking (Canberra Raiders), Brumby Jack (ACT Brumbies), Sarge (Canberra Cavalry), Prime Possum (Prime7), and Drain Sheriff and Hydration Girl (ICON Water). Head to our Facebook page to see the warm up and be sure to check out Brumby Jacks’ moves.

The Fun Run really was a great way to bring the community together for an uplifting event where 100 per cent of the proceeds went to support our 13 11 14 crisis support line. We couldn’t do this without our Fun Run partner Icon Water, our sponsors Audi Centre Canberra, United Arab Emirates, Club Lime, the volunteers who came down and assisted with the many tasks, and every participant. Thank you!

Thank you too to Callida Consulting for their ongoing support, donation and hospitality over the past fortnight at various events. Last week Callida hosted hundreds of Canberran’s, together with Dr Brendan Nelson at the Australian War Memorial for a moving address themed “From the Battlefield to the Boardroom”. Listening to Dr Nelson speak is always inspirational and thought provoking. We are honoured to have him as our Patron.

We’ve almost ticked off our event calendar for this year, stay tuned for details of our final 2018 event and look out for our Save the date for our Lifeline Canberra Gala, which will be held in February.

As we enter the ‘silly season’ I ask you all to check in with yourself and those around you. It’s been quite a big year for everyone and I encourage you to take time out for yourself. Tis a wonderful season when you look after yourself so you can enjoy it.