Lifeline Fiji launched its national crisis toll-free shortcode while commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day, yesterday.
Speaking at the event, Kontiki Finance training/development manager and Lifeline Fiji board member Helen Williamson said the new code would enable people to seek support easily.
“Through the process of evaluation, we discovered that our previous 24-hour call number was too long and if you ring in a situation where you need a lifeline, a six-digit number was far too hard to remember,” she said.
Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said mental illnesses were hard to detect in people because there were no physical markings.
“The hard part is to realise and detect mental illness in a person, or that a person needs help where it’s easy for people to get carried away by just taking things for granted.
“The 24-hour helpline has saved countless lives, but all those members of Fijian communities also need to step up and help Lifeline with this fight against suicide.”
Mr Nailatikau urged all the people suffering from mental illness to take advantage of the toll-free call.
“To all those thinking they are suffering from mental health and have reached a crisis, do not have anyone to reach out to, remember that there is only one life and ringing this number will save your life.”
A representative from Digicel, Liesl Low, encouraged Fijians to check on themselves as much as they check on social media platforms.
“Reaching out to your loved ones and checking on them either physically or on social media, especially during these tough times of pandemic COVID-19 will contribute towards reducing suicide.”
The toll-free number is 1543. The support line is sponsored by telecommunications network Vodafone Fiji, Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation, Digicel and Telecom Fiji.
