What if my Dad called Lifeline instead of me?

Just over 15 years ago, Matt checked his phone and heard a voicemail from his dad:“Hey Matt, I just want to let you know that I love you.”Those could have been the last words his dad ever said… they would have been some of the last thoughts he ever had.In preparing for this episode, Matt wondered what could have been if instead of calling him, his dad had picked up the phone to Lifeline.In this episode, Breeny and Benny A sit down with Carrie-Ann Leeson, CEO of Lifeline Canberra, to explore what actually happens when someone reaches that point — and what happens when they call.What we cover in this conversationWhat someone can expect when they call LifelineCarrie explains the process, the humanity, and the safety of crisis support… removing the mystery so more people feel able to reach out.The weight carried by Lifeline volunteersFrom the Lifeline Gala video to real stories from the phones, we explore the impact of Canberra’s volunteer force:– 200 volunteers in Canberra– 35,000 calls answered– 18,500 hours of support delivered– 4,500 callers experiencing suicidal thoughts– 450 callers in immediate danger, redirected to critical helpCarrie also reflects on her own time as a volunteer — and what it teaches you about people, pain, and hope.Changing the conversation around suicideCarrie is often quoted on this idea. We unpack what it means in practice, why language matters, and how a community shifts from stigma to safety.What a suicide-free Canberra looks likeWe explore the idea through crisis support, community connection, and mental-health skill-building — including Lifeline’s training programs:Mental Health Awareness, Safe to Speak, The Working Mind, Accidental Counsellor, and Suicide Intervention.All of them build the mental-health IQ of a community.Sources & Further ReadingLifeline Canberra turns 50 – Region Media:https://region.com.au/as-lifeline-canberra-turns-50-its-impact-on-canberra-has-been-undeniable/473966/Lifeline Canberra Strategic Plan:https://www.lifelinecanberra.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Lifeline-Canberra-Strategic-Plan-FINAL-1-8-17-2.pdfLifeline Canberra Annual Report 2023–24:https://www.lifelinecanberra.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/23-24-Annual-report-Lifeline-Canberra-Low-Res.pdfIf You Need SupportLifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)https://www.lifeline.org.auMedicare Mental Health Centre Canberra – 1800 595 212https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/headtohealthBeyond Blue – 1300 22 4636https://www.beyondblue.org.auConnect with Running for ResilienceWebsite: https://www.runningforresilience.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningforresilienceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/runningforresilienceStrava: https://strava.app.link/eGHjt285jTbYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@runningforresilience