Why did lifeline cut their chat service hours?

Hey dear @Teej,

Sorry to hear this, but I called Lifeline on 131114 just the other morning after 12 am. I thought they were open 24 hrs/ 7 days per week. It is free from a mobile and only the cost of a local call by landline.

Thanks @BambiFawn. The call service is still 24/7. It's the online chat they've cut. It used to be available until 4:00am now it's midnight.

oh okay dear @Teej, it must be to do with funding or something. Glad the counsellors are still avail by phone. It is an excellent service and has saved my life.

@Sans911

I agree, most times I prefer online chat because sometimes when I phone a counselling service, depending on the person or the voice who answers, I won't speak and then I hang up, even if I'm desperate to talk to someone.

@Teej @BambiFawn, yes, we really do need more funding for these services!!!!

Take care, all.

YES

Many people in crisis can still type but not speak, or speak so easily, are in the middle of a big voiceless cry, or are triggered by qualities in the voice they hear pick up.

I just googled it and apparently, Lifeline is being cut everywhere. There is no longer a call centre in the Northern Territory due to funding cuts. Sad really, because it is such a necessary service.

I just read on the ABC radio website that Lifeline in Queensland has been restructured with cuts to some services. Apparently, they won't affect the phone service but we shall soon see I guess. I gave up a long time ago actually calling Lifeline, I participate in their webchat service instead. I find it incredibly scripted however. The reason I gave up on calling them was because of one of their counsellors getting angry at me when I said I was suicidal. She was like "How do you think I will feel if I know you are going to commit suicide?" I thought that was highly unprofessional.