LIFELINE’s 24 hour crisis support telephone line is about to face its busiest time of the year as Christmas and New Year fast approaches.

During the festive season, the service received a new call every 50 seconds. On average, Lifeline speaks to more than 1400 people a day around Christmas and New Year, each call lasting about 20 minutes, and each with its own unique emotional crisis.

“This time of year can stir up many emotions in us, especially relationship issues, loneliness and financial pressures. We would like to remind all Australians that Lifeline’s 24 hour crisis support telephone line, 13 11 14, is available to everybody regardless of their location or issue,” Lifeline Canberra CEO Mike Zissler said.

“This is a time of acute need for many in our community. We all need to support each other, which is as simple as letting your family know that they can talk to you about anything, without fear, reprisal or judgement.”

In the ACT and surrounding region, 39 people took their own lives in 2011, and Lifeline Canberra is hoping that number will not increase over the Christmas period.

“Nationally, Lifeline talks to over 450,000 people every year, this is made possible by a generous community and through many corporate donations, as well as our wonderful volunteers,” he said.

“We ask that people in Canberra, if able, give generously and allow Lifeline to continue to support those who are in crisis. On behalf of Lifeline, I would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.”

More information at www.lifeline.org.au . To use the crisis support telephone line contact 13 11 14.