Lifeline WA today revealed it received 39 per cent more calls in 2023, pushing up the total to 116,000.
“It is the first time in our history that we have ever supported more than 100,000 people,” chief executive Lorna MacGregor said.
“Our callers reflect the people doing it hard in the community.”
Residents were pushed to their brinks as new figures showed rental and property prices across the state have continued to soar.
Perth‘s property prices rose another 1.7 per cent in January with housing now only on the market for just nine days – the quickest listing times in the country.
Renters are also struggling with a median $615 a week and, with children returning to school, Foodbank said it expects demand for its services to also increase.
To keep up with demand for suicide prevention services, Lifeline WA has signed a $860,000 partnership with Rio Tinto.
The deal will bring in 120 more volunteers on the frontline.
“Really pleased with this partnership, particular with extending the support in remote and regional areas,” Rio Tinto chief executive Simon Trott said.
