Of the 10 busiest days ever recorded by Lifeline - five were last month.
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Lifeline South Coast CEO Renee Green said it was a sad reminder that while Australians were returning to 'normal' life with COVID cases and restrictions easing, many were still struggling.
"Across Australia, Lifeline is regularly taking over 3000 calls a day - and in February we had five of the busiest days for calls ever," she said.
"In our Wollongong and Nowra centres we received 2744 calls last month, a 30 per cent increase on the same time last year.
"So while life is getting a bit more back to normal, there's still significant numbers in the community who are struggling and fortunately reaching out for help."
Ms Green believed there were a number of factors contributing to the increase in calls, including many dealing with financial concerns due to government benefits ending.
"There's also been some prominent news stories that may be triggering for many, including sexual assault/ harassment claims at Parliament House and the Meghan Markle interview where she talked about suicidal thoughts," she said.
"There's also the cumulative effects that events have had on people - we've come out of 12 months where we've experienced drought, bushfires, flood and a pandemic.
"So it's an accumulation of all those things."
With Lifeline South Coast's Big Book Fair on again this month, Ms Green said she hoped the community would again get behind the organisation to raise funds for the vital service.
"This is a great way for people to support us to meet the current high levels of demand," she said.
"It's the largest book fair in NSW, with over 80,000 books, and COVID-safe practices in place, and will be held from March 19 to 21 at the Illawarra Sports Stadium at Berkeley.
"We raised over $170,000 at last October's event, and all funds go to services locally."
Meantime Ms Green is also putting a call out to anyone who'd like to join their crew of volunteer call takers.
"We have a fantastic team of around 100 volunteers working with us at the moment," she said.
"We have to balance the needs of volunteers and the needs of our help seekers and that can be a challenge when there's high demand. That's why we're seeking more volunteers.
"Those in the role are there to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for people to speak and be heard; they might refer them on to other services or talk them through strategies to help them cope with their feelings of distress."
Lifeline is holding an information session for those interested in volunteering on April 8; for details visit lifelinesouthcoast.org.au
Ms Green also encouraged anyone who needed help to call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
"We are busy but we are always ready and able to take calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week," she said.
"We really encourage people to reach out for help - we see reaching as a sign of strength."
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