Lifeline has flipped the infamous ‘27 Club’ on its head, with the launch of The 72 Club – challenging you to commit to living up to the age of 72 and beyond.
A group of Kiwi music legends, including Suzanne Lynch and Larry Morris, have recreated an iconic song from a member of the ‘27 Club,’ the 1970 classic Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin, and has been released as a music video at the72club.co.nz.
Lifeline – supporting Kiwis in crisis and distress – has launched the 72 Club campaign asking New Zealanders to commit to life beyond the age of 72. Proceeds from The 72 Club campaign will allow Lifeline to continue to deliver the vital services Lifeline has been providing for more than 50 years, with the aim that no person’s call goes unanswered.
“Lifeline wants to support Kiwis so they can lead the best lives they can. Life can be a struggle for anyone, so it’s important people have access to our qualified staff and well-trained volunteers who listen and provide reassurance. Every month Lifeline receives around 10,000 calls. Our calls from people who are at high risk of suicide have doubled over the past three years. Every contact with a suicidal person is an opportunity to intervene, to reduce the distress felt, and, potentially to save a life,” says Glenda Schnell, Executive Director of Lifeline.
According to Lifeline, it’s not unusual to have suicidal thoughts in the face of overwhelming feelings of distress. In fact, one in five people today will tell you they’ve had suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives.
“Lifeline knows this because most of our callers represent a typical cross-section of society. The shame and stigma surrounding suicide, or even admitting to yourself that you’ve reached the limits of your own coping strategies, are huge obstacles to most people reaching out for support,” says Schnell.
Suicide is often linked with mental heatlh and this is not always the case. In fact 80% of Lifeline callers are not linked to a mental health services.
“Suicidal thinking can affect anyone at any time, from any background. It’s not a weakness, it’s a signal to ask for help from somebody who genuinely cares. A conversation with Lifeline can save lives because when people feel they can talk, they begin to see that they have the ability to make choices – including positive ones that get them closer to the life they want. The services provided by Lifeline cannot be underestimated. Often our callers are dealing with the aftereffects of traumatic life events, which if left unresolved can spread into other areas of their life.
“We know that access to support and intervention in times of crisis saves lives. At Lifeline we want all calls from people in need to be answered, so that Kiwis can go on to live to 72 and beyond,” says Schnell.
If you need help dealing with a difficult time in your life, call 0800 LIFELINE or free text HELP 4357.
