Lifeline Australia’s chief executive officer Pete Shmigel said that both service providers and the broader community will benefit from the free Lifeline Service Finder app, which puts the nearest available help at the tips of our fingers. 

“With studies suggesting we’re spending some 24 hours per week online, the development of this app shows Lifeline’s commitment to being a beacon of hope in the sometimes isolating digital landscape,” Mr Shmigel said. 

“It’s a valuable extension of our online Service Finder tool, which already connects thousands of Australians to support services every day. "Australian adults now own an average of three digital devices – typically a laptop, a smartphone and a tablet – so it’s important to ensure that people have easy access to help anytime, anywhere. 

“Whether somebody is a victim of domestic violence, living with a mental illness or contemplating suicide, the Lifeline Service Finder will locate the most appropriate service and provide up-to-date contact details. It’s about harnessing the digital world for the good of our emotional world.” 

The smartphone app was developed in partnership with Infoxchange and funded by Prime Super, with Prime Super’s chief executive officer Lachlan Baird saying the organisation was proud to partner with Lifeline for the project. 

“Prime Super understands the importance in Australians having access to the right support, at the right time,” Mr Baird said. 

“As such, we believe the Lifeline Service Finder will have far-reaching benefits for the community – both in major metropolitan and rural areas – giving family, friends and colleagues access to a lifesaving directory of health services.” 

The smartphone app is available in both Android and Apple, with regular updates from Infoxchange ensuring data remains up to date. 

For crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp.