Summer time is a season of joy and celebration for many people, but, sadly, for others it can be a time of anxiety, loneliness, and isolation. For people living and working in regional and remote Western Australia, where access to general health and mental health services can be limited, holidays can feel even more isolating.
Together, the Royal Flying Doctor Service WA and Lifeline WA will provide more than 1,000 people with support this season, offering 24-hour access to critical services to people who live, work and travel right across Western Australia.
For the first time ever, you can double your impact this summer and help two of Western Australia’s most hard working and trusted charities.
Make a donation towards their collaborative ‘Flights for Life’ appeal to provide support for people struggling this holiday season.
This unique campaign will see the RFDS aircraft fleet painted with Lifeline WA’s 13 11 14 number to promote support for mental health in regional WA.
As well as featuring Lifeline WA's crisis support number, there are opportunities for corporates and community supporters to come on board and have their logos installed on an RFDS aircraft between December and March.
Why join forces?
Lifeline WA and RFDS WA have been experiencing unprecedented and sustained demand for their services over the last couple of years as Western Australians continue to face extraordinary challenges.
The RFDS has seen a significant increase in demand from patients needing mental health care. 421 patients in 2020/21 required emergency retrieval by the RFDS.
In addition, the RFDS facilitated more than 2,000 mental healthcare consults in remote WA communities.
Lifeline WA has answered the highest number of calls in its history over the past 12-months, with more than 65,000 Western Australians reaching out to Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support service.
On average, one person a day dies by suicide in Western Australia. Suicide rates in our rural and remote areas of Australia are significantly higher than in the city.
The devastating impacts of suicide are felt deeply and affect entire communities. By supporting people who live and work in our regions and providing appropriate support, we can change this by working together.
RFDS WA and Lifeline WA know that if a person gets help at the right time, suicide can be prevented.
For more information, check out our Flights for Life Appeal page or please contact RFDS Corporate Partnerships Manager Suzette Pritchard suzette.pritchard@rfdswa.com.au
