The festive season is the busiest time of year for Kids Helpline and Lifeline WA, the helplines are both calling on us to support our friends and families through a time of year that can be difficult.
Every Christmas national counselling service Kids Helpline experiences a surge in call volumes about family conflict and worry.
This year Virtual Services Manager Tony FitzGerald says they want to help families mitigate these stresses for children.
“Family relationships is the second most frequent reason why children and young people contact us throughout the year but at Christmas time there are more kids at home and mums and dads struggling to put Christmas celebrations together,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“It’s not surprising that with increased financial worries, possible alcohol at this time and attempts to create the perfect Christmas that stress and conflict kicks in."
Lifeline WA too says the festive season is their busiest time of year and is relying on donations to help train more volunteers to help answer the thousands of calls they anticipate to receive over Christmas.
Lifeline WA Chief Executive Officer Lorna MacGregor said the demand for Lifeline WA’s services was continually increasing and the charity needed extra funding to meet the demand.
"We encourage everyone to visit our special tree this Christmas, and get behind the campaign by decorating their own homes and trees and donating to help Lifeline WA answer calls to 13 11 14."
The Lifeline WA Shine a Light for Life tree is 15 metres tall, it is currently on display at Elizabeth Quay.
The Kids Help Line are encouraging families having difficulties to reach out to support agencies and ask for help.
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only FREE, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. Free call 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au
Lifeline WA's 13 11 14 service is a nationally-routed crisis support number, available every day of the year, from any location in Australia. It is available to anyone - regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.
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