Lifeline completes first decade

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33577, 4 July 1974, Page 4

Lifeline completes first decade

Lifeline, the interdenominational tele-phone-counselling service in Christchurch, will complete its first decade of service today.

From a modest beginning in 1964 when it had about 40 counsellors and received about 500 calls a year, the service has grown until there are now 72 trained counsellors handling more than 6000 calls a year. Based in the Methodist Central Mission and administered by an inter-church committee, Lifeline is made possible by volunteer workers. However, the service still costs about $9OOO a year to run, and each year its deficit has increased. Last year, the deficit was $6713. The 24-hour service relies on the people of Christchurch to finance it. A street appeal is held annually, some churches contribute money, and the rest comes from gifts. The service has applied for a Government grant, but the decision by the Government has not been announced. Mrs N. Johnston, the secretary of Lifeline, said that most calls came from the lonely and depressed. “The only time most people are motivated to ring us is when they have reached the point of crisis. We are like a crutch, and we help them along until the next crisis.’’

If the problems are desperate, such as suicide cases, which form only a small proportion of the calls, “trouble teams” are sent out to be with the persons and help them through their crises. This help might then be followed up by “caring team” visits.

From the year ended March, 1974, a “trouble team” was sent Out on 120 occasions, and in the last 10 years teams have gone out "1444 times.

Mrs Johnston said that! Lifeline was getting more* recognition. “People arej more willing to seek help. I think also they feel that they! do not want to waste the! time of their doctors,” she said. To celebrate the anniversary. Lifeline workers are

holding a cabaret function at Aldersgate on July 6, and a thanksgiving service will be held in the Central Mission. At this, 12 more counsellors will be accredited.