Humans of Lifeline — National Program Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Line
Marjorie Anderson
“I feel that the Elders of the past put me where I need to be, when I need to be there. I believe I get put where I need to be put. It took 59 years to get here, but we're here. “
What is your connection to Lifeline?
I am the National Program Manager here at 13 YARN. We began working on setting up the new crisis support line in October 2021 and in March the following year we started receiving calls. The service was codesigned with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is run with the support of Lifeline.
13YARN is designed by, developed by, managed by and delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I make the decisions, but I never make the decisions in isolation. I involve my stakeholders. And by involving your stakeholders, you get buy-in with that decision. Even if you must make a tough decision they may not necessarily like, they'll still understand why you made that choice and back you.
We had some lived experience folk join us, as well as some clinical expertise from Gaaya Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia.
We went out into the communities and said 'What do you want 13 YARN to look like, sound like, feel like? You tell us what you want, and we'll deliver it.'
We expected to get 58 calls a day in the first year, and the other day we had 178. The feedback we're getting from the community has been wonderful, they say:
'We've been waiting for this for a long time. Thank you for delivering this. I feel like I'm being listened to. I don't have to teach anyone about my culture and my community before I get the help I need.
I've been in the job for a year now, and I must say, Lifeline is great to work for. We turn 1 when Lifeline turns 60. We're celebrating our birthday at the same time. We need two cakes!
I feel that the Elders of the past put me where I need to be, when I need to be there. I believe I get put where I need to be put. It took 59 years to get here, but we're here.
I'm so happy with the success of 13YARN and excited for what is to come for the next 60 years.
Human Stories
The Humans of Lifeline
These Humans support lifeline in their own unique way, to ensure that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.
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Ways to get involved
Thanks to the unwavering support of the Australian people, Lifeline is able to celebrate 60 years of service to people in times of crisis. The generosity that you provide helps us be there for those who need us and equip communities across Australia to be suicide safe. Explore the ways you can participate in our celebrations and help Lifeline continue its important work for another 60 years and beyond.
