Lifeline has flipped the infamous ‘27 Club’ on its head, with the launch today of The 72 Club.
A group of Kiwi music legends, including Suzanne Lynch and Larry Morris, has recreated an iconic song from a member of the ‘27 Club,’ the 1970 classic Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin, which is available now to download on iTunes and Spotify.
All proceeds from The 72 Club song and campaign will go to Lifeline, New Zealand’s leading provider of suicide crisis, counselling and community helplines, so it can continue to support Kiwis going through difficult times, allowing them to go on to enjoy a life well-lived.
Lifeline is here to support Kiwis in crisis and distress, however there is more to be done. Proceeds from The 72 Club campaign will allow Lifeline to continue to deliver the vital services it’s been providing for more than 50 years, with the aim that no person’s call goes unanswered.
Glenda Schnell, Executive Director of Lifeline, says she is thrilled to launch The 72 Club.
“Lifeline wants to support Kiwis so they can lead the best lives they can. Life can be a struggle for anyone, so it’s important people have access to our qualified staff and well-trained volunteers who listen and provide reassurance.
“Every month Lifeline receives around 10,000 calls. Our calls from people who are at high risk of suicide have doubled over the past three years: from three per day to six per day. Every contact with a suicidal person is an opportunity to intervene, to reduce the distress felt, and, potentially to save a life,” said Glenda.
“I want to encourage all Kiwis to donate to Lifeline, download the song, and support the campaign, so we can help more people join The 72 Club,” adds Glenda.
According to Lifeline, it’s not unusual to have suicidal thoughts in the face of overwhelming feelings of distress. In fact, one in five people today will tell you they’ve had suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives.
“Lifeline knows this because most of our callers represent a typical cross-section of society. The shame and stigma surrounding suicide, or even admitting to yourself that you’ve reached the limits of your own coping strategies, are huge obstacles to most people reaching out for support.
Suicide is often linked with mental health and this is not always the case. In fact 80% of Lifeline callers are not linked to a mental health services.
“Suicidal thinking can affect anyone at any time, from any background. It’s not a weakness, it’s a signal to ask for help from somebody who genuinely cares. A conversation with Lifeline can save lives because when people feel they can talk, they begin to see that they have the ability to make choices – including positive ones that get them closer to the life they want.
“The māori concept of whanaungatanga expresses the importance of connection and the relationships we form through our shared experiences. This helps to create a sense of belonging,which influences the roles we play, and how we work together to support and strengthen one another. By helping people struggling with suicidal thoughts feel heard and possibly make different choices, Lifeline is inviting more people to experience a sense of belonging from a more compassionate and caring society,” said Glenda.
Glenda continued, “The services provided by Lifeline cannot be underestimated. Often our callers are dealing with the aftereffects of traumatic life events, which if left unresolved can spread into other areas of their life.
“We know that access to support and intervention in times of crisis saves lives. At Lifeline we want all calls from people in need to be answered, so that Kiwis can go on to live to 72 and beyond,” said Glenda.
The 72 Club song is available now on iTunes and Spotify. For further information or to donate to Lifeline directly, please visit the
72club.co.nz If you need help dealing with a difficult time in your life, call 0800 LIFELINE or free text HELP 4357.
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