In an exciting new initiative aimed at fostering community ties and bolstering mental health support, Lifeline Loddon Mallee has expanded its reach by opening a thrift shop in Bendigo. From economical shopping options to volunteer opportunities, the shop serves as a multi-faceted platform that embodies Lifeline's overarching mission—ensuring no one faces their darkest moments alone. Lisa Renato, the Executive Officer of Lifeline Loddon Mallee, walks us through the compelling story behind this significant development, sharing the shop's purpose, benefits to the local community, and the myriad of ways it aims to make a lasting impact.

1. Can you tell us about the mission and goals of Lifeline and your role?

Lifeline Loddon Mallee has a purpose to ensure no one has to face their darkest moments alone.  We provide connections and support to empower people who are struggling with their mental health, with our goal to create a suicide-free Australia. I’m the Executive Officer and I have gratitude beyond words to work with so many amazing people to make life a bit better for everyone.

2. What inspired the decision to open a Lifeline thrift shop in Bendigo specifically?

A bricks-and-mortar store is another way for us to connect to our community. It helps raise funds to support our Lifeline’s many crisis support services and it also helps people discover what we do through visiting the shop. And it brings another piece of joy to town - who doesn’t love an op shop?   

3. How will the new thrift shop benefit the local community in Bendigo?

It’s all about our connection to the community. Whether that’s providing good items at an economical price for people doing it tough, letting people know about our vital support services, or just providing additional income to Lifeline to keep providing the help that we do. 

4. Can you share some details on the kinds of items that you will be accepting at the thrift shop? And how the community can donate?

We’re taking donations of everything from furniture to collectables to clothes - there’s a vintage pedal car and a 1950s cafe menu in the store at the moment. If it’s clean and useful to someone we’d love to have a look. Donations can be dropped off at the shop at 8 Wood Street, Long Gully during opening hours.

5. Are there any volunteer opportunities at the new thrift shop, and if so, how can people get involved?

Lifeline is driven by volunteers, and we’re always looking for new people. We have over 11,000 volunteers nationwide, and there are many ways to get involved with us. We train people to become Accredited Telephone Crisis Supporters, we have various community and corporate opportunities and now we have incredible volunteers working at the shop. You can find out more on our website. https://lifelinelm.org.au/volunteer

6. How do the proceeds from the thrift shop support Lifeline's wider initiatives?

Every $39 raised by Lifeline Loddon Mallee is one more call answered from someone in crisis. Every $1,500 trains another counsellor to answer those calls. Lifeline Loddon Mallee answered over 18,000 calls last year from people needing support or short-term crisis help. We also provide various mental health training and support to organisations and businesses, so every dollar we raise can help save lives. And if you can’t come to the shop we have a Christmas campaign about to kick off on our social media and website. All money raised locally stays locally to support our region.

7. Lastly, what are your long-term visions for the Lifeline thrift shop in Bendigo and how it will integrate with the community?

I want the shop to be a trusted place in the community, providing high-quality goods at economical prices, with the money spent here staying locally to extend our services. 

Lifeline Loddon Mallee’s 24-hour crisis support number is 13 11 14 , a text chat service is available at www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/ and we provide low-cost in-person counselling in Bendigo, which you can read about here - Counselling — Lifeline Loddon Mallee (lifelinelm.org.au)