New Zealand’s longest serving national mental health helpline, Lifeline, welcomes today’s government announcement that it is to receive an interim funding contribution.
The funding of $1.2 million, the first government funding Lifeline has received in 10 years, is towards the cost of continuing service delivery for one year.
PSN Chief Executive Shaun Greaves says that with high demand upon its service, Lifeline welcomes the interim funding contribution and that it’s a step in the right direction.
“Lifeline is the longest-running mental health helpline in New Zealand, having been operational for more than 60 years, and is a vital part of New Zealand’s mental health support system.
“Across the decades millions of New Zealanders have contacted Lifeline in their time of crisis - we are proud of the impact and difference we make for callers in their darkest moments.
“While the one-off funding announced today will help us to continue to answer calls and texts, I need to stress that it will only meet about a third of our annual costs.
“We still rely heavily on, and are truly thankful for, the support of donors – both large and small, who have been raising funds and contributing to Lifeline for many years. The ongoing support of donors continues to be crucial to keep Lifeline operating and saving lives.”
Last year Lifeline was forced to reduce its operating hours due to a lack of funding and rising costs; and PSN advised government that the future of the service is at serious risk.
“We look forward to working with Health NZ on a long-term sustainable model that will ensure Lifeline continues to be there for people at high risk of suicide or self-harm and those struggling with their mental health,” says Greaves.
In the 2024/25 financial year Lifeline and its Tautoko suicide crisis helplines received more than 100,000 calls and exchanged more than 182,000 texts.
PSN rescued Lifeline from closure 10 years ago when it lost government funding. Since then, it has kept Lifeline operating through a combination of donations and PSN’s own contributions.
Lifeline is one of Presbyterian Support Northern’s (PSN) group of social services, which also includes Family Works and Shine family violence prevention services.
About Presbyterian Support Northern
Presbyterian Support Northern is a charitable organisation that has brought practical, compassionate support to New Zealanders and their communities for more than 140 years. Today, our social services are Lifeline, Family Works and Shine while our health and disability services are grouped under Enliven. Presbyterian Support Northern delivers social services across the upper North Island, from Taupō in the south to Whangārei in the north. Our national services include Shine Education & Training and Lifeline which cover the breadth of the country.
Media contact:
William Malpass
Communications Manager
Presbyterian Support Northern
021 394 429