Lifeline Hunter will add another 30 crisis supporters to its workforce, thanks to a $100,000 boost from Glencore.

The partnership, announced this week, will help the all-hours charity deal with its estimated 50,000 annual calls for help.

Currently there are calls that go unanswered in the region, as an unprecedented demand drains available resources and training.

Both parties hope the new union will increase Lifeline’s capacity to answer its 13 11 14 calls.

The Hunter region, including the Singleton and Muswellbrook LGA’s, like many regional areas, has a rate of suicide greater than the Australian average.

It is forecast that an additional 8,250 calls to Lifeline will be answered annually thanks to this latest investment.

Lifeline Hunter CEO Robert Sams says it is vital his team can continue their good work.

“Partnering with organisations like Glencore is critical in Lifeline making sure that we are there to meet people who call us at any time of the day or night,” he said. 

“By training additional crisis supporters we will make sure that no-one has to face their darkest moments alone.”

The funding from Glencore will provide 150 hours of training to each crisis supporter including workshops, role plays, mentoring and individual supervision of initial shifts.

Glencore community relations manager Craig Strudwick told the Newcastle Weekly that backing Lifeline to continue its operations was about supporting the whole community.

“Our Community Investment program is about supporting the communities that host our operations and especially building the capacity of organisations like Lifeline to respond to the needs of the community,” he said.

“Training an additional 30 Lifeline crisis supports will help build Lifeline’s capacity to respond to the mental health wellbeing and suicide prevention needs of our communities.”

Lifeline answers a call for help every 30 seconds and expects to respond to more than one million requests for support in 2022.

For 24/7 crisis or suicide prevention support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or head to lifeline.org.au/crisischat from 7pm to midnight for online support.

For more stories like this:

• Glencore community funding
• Lifeline to receive $2 million in budget
• Hundreds donate to Lifeline clothing appeal

Newcastle Weekly would love to hear from you about a story idea you have in the Hunter region. Click here to submit a news tip.