Demand for Lifeline services spiking to highest ever levels amid cost-of-living crisis

Helpline’s three busiest days all recorded in last 12 months with daily call volumes of 4,000 not unusual, executive director says

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Demand for Lifeline services in recent weeks has reached levels previously associated only with natural disasters, Christmas and Covid lockdowns, the executive director of the helpline has said, and cost-of-living pressures are the likely cause.

Chris Siorokos said Lifeline’s three busiest days had all come in the past 12 months. The most recent surge came on Sunday 6 August, when 4,204 Australians called for support – the service’s second-busiest day ever.

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