Demand for beyondblue services grew by 44 per cent in 2015, with the organisation's 24-hour support service contacted more than 160,000 times during the past year.

beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett, AC, said the increased demand had led the organisation to launch its first major fundraising campaign.

"The organisation continues to receive great support from all governments for its core work, but as demand for its direct services grows it is time to reach out for help from the community," Mr Kennett said.

"It costs $48 each time a mental health professional at our support service responds to a person in need."

Mr Kennett urged workplaces, schools, clubs and individuals to support beyondblue by hosting a fundraising bash - anything from a barbecue or a bake sale to a blue sports round.

"We need help to keep this free service running," Mr Kennett said.

"Sell a couple of dozen cupcakes and you could raise enough money to cover a support service call - a call that could save a life.

"Organise an event and you could save many."

beyondblue chief executive officer Georgie Harman said maintaining beyondblue's many free services and information resources required enormous, on-going commitment.

"Research and evaluation underpins all beyondblue's work," she said.

"In 15 years beyondblue has invested nearly $65 million in depression, anxiety and suicide prevention research and programs while 80 million information resources have been distributed nationwide.

"Besides the support service, last year there were 8.2 million visits to our website and the information on it.

"Hundreds of speakers and ambassadors told their stories which we know breaks down stigma and every month 1500 people joined our online forums."

For more information about beyondblue's services, or how to host a fundraising bash visit www.beyondbluebash.org.au.