PRESS RELEASE
Brand new documentary ALWAYS LISTENING takes us behind the scenes of one of the oldest organisations dedicated to saving lives in Australia.
We all know the devastating statistics around suicide. Lifeline provides free and anonymous support to those in need. But who are the people at the other end of these cries for help? Every hour of the day, every day of the year, someone is there for each of the calls made to this vital service.
Award-winning filmmaker Genevieve Bailey (I Am Eleven, Happy Sad Man) has once again produced a candid and uplifting take on a complex reality. Bailey was given rare access to Lifeline’s network of volunteers and staff. Her
intimate 30-minute documentary is a portrait of compassion, giving a voice to just a few of those who have answered some of the 23 million calls for help as well as hearing stories from those who have used the service over Lifeline’s 60 years.
These powerful stories combine to shine a light not only on personal experiences but also to provide insight into how life-affecting and life-changing Lifeline has been.
Director and Producer Genevieve Bailey said, “I’ve wondered if listening is rapidly becoming a lost
art. There are studies that show we’ve never been more lonely. Whilst film and TV usually spotlight the talkers, I wanted to turn my camera on the listeners, those people who dedicate their lives to supporting Australians who reach out to Lifeline. Before I started to make this documentary, I had no idea what these people looked like, now I can say they look like any and all of us. But what makes them exceptional and inspired me to make Always Listening is their capacity and commitment to positively impact so many lives.”
Lifeline Australia CEO Colin Seery said, “Always Listening is an intimate documentary that shines a light on the evolution of Lifeline from its humble beginnings in 1963 right up to present day. It serves as a tribute to all the incredible people who generously give their time, skills, and expertise to ensure no Australian has to face their toughest moments alone.”
For over 60 years, Lifeline has been connecting with Australians in need through crisis support and suicide prevention services, operating the 13 11 14 telephone line around the nation as well as a 24/7 crisis text, webchat service and Support Toolkit. The organisation expects to respond to over one million requests for support this year, creating an average of 120 safety plans to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe every day. Lifeline also provides face-to-face community services through many of their 43 Centres across Australia.
“We should never forget the foundations of Lifeline at a time 60 years ago, when suicide was a crime in most Countries. How brave, how extraordinary.” – John Brogden (Politician, former Leader of the Opposition)
“I was in my car and I had a clear and terrifying thought that I didn’t want to live for one minute longer.” – Imbi, Help Seeker and proud mother. She now advocates and is on the Lived Experience Advisory Group because she wants to give back to an organisation who she says saved her life.
“My daughters quite often tell me to take my Lifeline hat off when we’re having a serious discussion, which is quite funny. They say ‘you are Lifelining me mum!’ which I do, yes.”
– Michele, a dairy farmer who started volunteering for Lifeline as a Crisis Supporter during the pandemic from a shed on her property. She crochets while waiting for help seekers to reach out.
“A friend of mine actually suicided and I wanted to find a way I can sort of do something in her memory. It just changed my whole course, and my family and friends have seen the change in me.” – Sonny, an effervescent fitness fan who volunteers for Lifeline before going to work at the Stock Exchange. His Boston Terrier Ruby attends all his crisis support shifts to provide support for him.
SBS have acquired the film for broadcast and streaming in Australia from 28 October 2024.
