'I was feeling seriously suicidal and a Lifeline person talked me down; it really worked. Thank you for saving my life.'
Could you be our next crisis supporter?
Volunteer Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporters are given specific training before undertaking a four-hour shift once a fortnight at our telephone centres in either Gordon or North Sydney. They listen to a caller’s situation, provide immediate support, help to clarify options, make safety plans if needed, and provide referral information for other services in the caller's local area if appropriate.
Are you a good listener?
This is a very special role, so we're looking for people who are:
- compassionate – with a strong sense of empathy and a desire to help others
- respectful – have a non-judgemental approach to others regardless of their views and beliefs
- self-aware – are self-reflective and open to ongoing learning and self-development
- committed – can be relied on for an intensive period of training, ongoing fortnightly shifts and professional development
- good communicators – can display a high level of verbal proficiency and good listening skills
- computer literate – basic computer skills are required
No previous experience is required
All training is provided, but you do need to:
- be over 18
- live in the Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney catchment area in the northern area of Sydney (the suburbs and surrounding areas along the Pacific Highway from North Sydney to Berowra)
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- complete a successful criminal record check (paid by Lifeline) & Working with Children Check (free for volunteers) after acceptance to training
Be there when someone needs you
When you decide to become a crisis supporter, you join a team of like-minded people who share in the common goal of wanting to help those who are struggling and in need of support.
You will grow as a person, and develop new skills and strengths, which many find helpful in their daily life as well as in their role at Lifeline.
You will be part of a friendly, supportive environment, where many volunteers make lifelong friendships. And, you will be giving back to your community and making a difference to those in crisis.
Training stages
To ensure you are confident, skilled and able to support callers in their time of crisis, you must complete Lifeline Australia's nationally recognised training program. Our volunteer Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporters undertake three stages of training to refine their specific skills and knowledge.
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1
Stage 1: Three-month training course
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2
Stage 2: Supervised and supported shifts
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3
Stage 3: Independent shifts
Training stages
Three-month training course
Based on adult learning principles and experiential learning, this training course is delivered by Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney on behalf of Lifeline Australia RTO no. 88036.
The course consists of 11 consecutive group training sessions one evening per week for three hours from 6.30pm, and group training involves presentations, role plays and large and small group exercises.
In preparation for each week’s session, you will need to complete one to three hours of e-learning before the session.
Supervised and supported shifts
Training includes a minimum of four fully supervised and supported volunteer shifts of four hours on the phone within a period of two months.
This gives volunteers a chance to practise new skills and gain constructive feedback from an experienced mentor.
Successful completion of this stage leads to an invitation to Stage 3.
Independent shifts
The final stage of the training consists of independent volunteer shifts of four hours per fortnight on the phones in our phone room at our Lifeline telephone centre in either Gordon or North Sydney.
You will be supported in your shift at all times by an In-Shift Supervisor.
Volunteers can choose varying shifts, usually 4 hours.
Lifeline organises regular group supervision and support sessions and provides ongoing professional development opportunities.
Student Contribution Training Fee
The cost to Lifeline to train each volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporter is approximately $3500 and includes accreditation: Statement of Attainment for the qualification CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skills Set in 3 Units of Competency.
The training contribution fee for volunteers is $825
What you need to know
Find out more about the training and courses you will undertake to become a volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporter.