A message of hope has been flying high this summer with two of Western Australia’s most trusted charities, the Royal Flying Doctor Service in WA and Lifeline WA, working together to support people with mental health issues.
Lifeline WA’s crisis support number 13 11 14 has been installed on the RFDS’ aircraft fleet to raise awareness and encourage support for mental health.
Businesses with interests in regional Western Australia including Rio Tinto, CBH and Albermarle have “jumped on board” to support Flights for Life, with major donations to the appeal.
Cannings Purple, a major Western Australian PR company, have also joined the campaign to help raise funds and awareness for the two charities this summer.
The RFDS fleet currently flies to the assistance of around 27 patients each day across rural and remote communities, presenting a unique opportunity to raise awareness of Lifeline WA’s support service, as both charities experience unprecedented demand from people living and working in regional WA.
RFDS WA CEO Rebecca Tomkinson said the Flying Doctor currently retrieves about eight patients a week due to mental health emergencies.
”We are extremely proud to be partnering with Lifeline WA to help raise awareness of mental health issues right across Western Australia,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“Supporters can double their impact and help two of Western Australia’s most hard-working and trusted charities. The campaign is also a wonderful opportunity to show your company cares about and prioritises mental health issues.
“We encourage the Western Australian business community to show its support and get onboard."
Lifeline WA CEO Lorna MacGregor said the demand for Lifeline WA’s crisis support services is continually growing, and the partnership with the RFDS was a unique opportunity to reach some of WA’s remote and rural communities.
"People are going through so much as the moment. It is really important that all Western Australians know that help is available and that they can reach out no matter where they live.
“For people living and working in regional and remote Western Australia, life can be isolating and challenging, and access to mental health services can be limited.
“We know that suicide rates in rural and remote areas are higher than in the city. But suicide is preventable, and by supporting people who live and work in our regions, we can change the situation by working together.
“We want to spread the message that no one is alone, and help is always only a phone call away.”
The campaign will run until March.
Photo by RFDS WA pilot Mike Smart
