Domino’s registered charity Give for Good has announced a new partnership with national suicide prevention charity, Lifeline. The funding will support the increase of services to reach all Australians in crisis, in whichever platform they feel comfortable, anytime, anywhere.
The announcement, which coincides with Mental Health Week, will see Give for Good contribute $750,000 over three years to help fund the phased roll-out of the text support service across Australia as part of Lifeline’s digital transformation.
Lifeline’s text service pilot conducted from July 2018 – February 2019 found that more than 53 per cent of people who accessed the text line were under 24 years old, with 42 per cent stating they would not have reached out for support in any other way.
Domino’s ANZ CEO and Give for Good Board Member Nick Knight said the charity is passionate about increasing access to mental health support and suicide prevention for all Australians, especially young people.
“Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15-44,” Knight said. “With around 80 per cent of our own Domino’s workforce under the age of 25, this partnership holds particular significance for our team members.”
Since the COVID-19 outbreak in March, Lifeline has experienced a 25 per cent increase in calls, to over 3,000 calls daily – that’s a call for help every thirty seconds.
“We hope that by helping to enhance digital services, Lifeline can meet this increased demand and encourage more people who would prefer to text rather than call to reach out for help,” Knight said. “This is something that effects all of us – whether you are personally struggling with mental ill health, or know someone who is, this partnership means we can expand the incredible support available by Lifeline and make a tangible difference in this space.”
As Australia’s largest crisis support line, Lifeline is actively working to digitally transform their services to enable a Lifeline crisis support worker to be there for anyone, at any time, via any platform.
Lifeline CEO Colin Seery said: “Right now the mental wellbeing of Australia has never been more important. As Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, it’s more important than ever that our crisis support is available for those in their darkest moments. We are very grateful for the support of Domino’s staff and customers for the opportunity to expand the Lifeline Text service. Through Give for Good we will reach more Australians in crisis and save more lives.”
Domino’s registered charity Give for Good achieves much of its funding via its ‘Round Up for Charity’ tool.
Generous pizza lovers who wish to help support Give for Good’s partnership with Lifeline, as well as other Australia-based initiatives, are encouraged to round up their next online Domino’s pizza order at the checkout.