History
It was a Sunday night, just after midnight, when the telephone shattered the silence at the home of Rev. Dr. Sir Alan Walker, Superintendent of Sydney’s Central Methodist Mission.
“This is Roy speaking”, said a quiet voice on the other end. “I have just written you a letter, which you will receive on Monday morning. By that time I will be dead. I am sorry to worry you, but there is really no-one who cares what happens to me …”
The loneliness and desperation of this suicidal man, along with many similar experiences, prompted Rev. Walker and others to establish Lifeline, a 24 hour telephone counselling service, staffed by trained volunteers ready to help people at their moment of crisis.
Created in June 1962 under the auspices of the Central Methodist Mission the new organisation aimed to extend a ‘lifeline to people in extreme crisis, in particular suicidal crisis’. The first Lifeline Centre commenced operation from its premises in Sydney at 5pm on Saturday, March 6, 1963. Lifeline’s services now operate from 60 locations nationally, with a presence in every State and Territory within Australia. Lifeline is part of an international network, and through its affiliation with LifeLine International has Centres in nineteen countries. Lifeline is also a member of the Volunteer Emotional Support Helplines (VESH) network. This network of Volunteer Helplines provides services in 61 countries around the world.
Lifeline in WA
The Living Stone Foundation T/A Lifeline WA is a Christian-based not-for-profit organisation that was founded in the mid-1980’s by Baptist Minister Graham Mabury in response to community needs identified during his Nightline program on Radio 6PR. Starting with off-air Nightline Counsellors and Santa’s Workshop ’Elves’, the Foundation provided counselling support for Callers to the Nightline program, as well as material aid in the form of winter blankets and Christmas food hampers and toys to those hurting or in need in the community.
In the mid 1990’s, the Foundation merged with the operations of Life In Focus, an emergency relief group operated by the Churches of Christ. Part of this group included the ’Lone Fathers Family Support Service’ (now known as Dads@Lifeline).
In 1994, the Foundation was accredited by Lifeline Australia to operate as a Lifeline Centre in WA (the 41st centre to begin operation in Australia).
In July 2007 thanks to our Partners, St John of God Healthcare, two new centres commenced operation; Lifeline Subiaco and Lifeline Murdoch.
With a dedicated Volunteer Team of more than 190, supported efficiently by a paid team of just 16 FTE, Lifeline WA’s specialist services estimate that they have provided support for more than 25,000* people of Western Australia. This support is provided through 24-hour crisis Telephone Counselling; Lifeline Education & Training programs, Dads@Lifeline and the Lifeline Treasures Op Shop.
