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Digital Crisis Support volunteers

We offer National 24/7 Text and Online Chat Services to the Australian community, and we can’t do it without the generosity of people like you.

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Take the first step

'I get great satisfaction knowing I can make a difference to someone's life every time I am on shift'

Read more about volunteering as a Digital Crisis Supporter below, watch the pre-recorded information session and come along to a Q&A!

What's next

Click here to apply to become a 
Digital Crisis Supporter

Applications open for July and August 2026 cohorts

 

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What is Digital Crisis Support?

Digital Crisis Supporter Volunteers provide one-off crisis support to people via online Chat and Text (SMS) who could benefit from immediate and short-term assistance to cope with crisis or distress.
 

Why Digital?

Text-based communication is ever increasing as more and more people prefer text based communication over verbal telephone calls.

Digital Crisis Support

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  • Training

    • 40-50 hours of online training (e-learning) and placement over a 12-week period
    • The online course will not be accessible from overseas.
    • Training is free of charge. This is a non-accredited course.
  • Requirements

    • Must be NSW Resident (If not a NSW resident please go to Lifeline Australia Volunteer as a Crisis Supporter)
    • Be over the age of 18
    • Current Police Check (Lifeline H2HS will organise if required)
    • Working with Children Check
    • Temporary or Permanent Residency Status
    • Good computer skills and reliable internet connection
  • Location

    • Work remotely from home or our head office (hybrid if desired)
       
  • Commitment to Service

    • Minimum 4 hrs per fortnight with 6 weeks off (av 92 hours per annum)
    • Must be able to commit to 12 months service after completion of training
    • Certificate of Completion provided after 52 hours of on-service volunteering (Stage 3).
    • Being a Digital Crisis Supporter may be right for you if you like the flexibility of working from home, are comfortable with technology, are able to express yourself confidently in the written word and are self-motivated.

How training works

You will complete a training program (elearning) and placement experience to give you all the expertise you need to navigate crisis support successfully and empathetically.

Crisis supporters commit to volunteering an average of two 4-hour shifts a month.

  • Stage 1

    Stage 1: 30-35hrs/8 weeks

    Training Program

    The first step is to get you trained up! Enjoy self-paced online learning over an 8-week period with a new training group starting regularly.
  • Stage 2

    Stage 2: 10-15hrs/4 weeks

    Placement

    To get confident with providing crisis support, you’ll do on-the-job supported shifts which enable your supervisor to provide you with feedback and support.
  • Stage 3

    Stage 3: 52hrs/year

    Crisis Supporter

    As a trained Crisis Supporter, you’ll be engaging in providing crisis support, receiving feedback, and taking part in professional development activities.

Need support now?

If you’re looking for immediate help, our Crisis Supporters are available 24/7. 

Alternatively, if you’re seeking ongoing support, our services – including counselling – could be right for you. 

Click here to learn more