Funding to help provide a lifeline

The Commonwealth Bank recently awarded the Northbridge-based organisation a $10,000 ommunity grant, which Lifeline WA chief executive Fiona Kalaf said would assist in providing more than 100 hours of training to each volunteer.

‘We know that suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians under the age of 44 and at Lifeline WA it is our mission to prevent suicide and support people in crisis, while also creating opportunities for their emotional wellbeing,’ Ms Kalaf said.

‘With the help of this grant, Lifeline WA will have the capacity to train three crisis support volunteers which will further enhance our ability to provide support and assistance to those West Australians experiencing tough times.’

Ms Kalaf said the organisation was reaching more young people through its online services as well as the traditional support phone number, 13 11 14.

Perth Commonwealth Bank branch manager Lee Elliott said the grants aimed to support programs which helped improve health and wellbeing of young people in Australia.