Volunteer to be a Crisis Supporter

The work we do is just being present, being a non-judgmental ear so people can pretty much talk about anything. We're in this privileged position where we get to look into this open window into someone's life, see things that no one else has ever seen or shared. And we can make a difference just by being in the conversation. 

Kat W, Lifeline Senior Coordinator

"Working as a volunteer answering Lifeline calls has definitely changed me. When you put down the phone, with another’s person’s thanks ringing in your ears – just for listening to them – it makes you feel good that you may have only been a part of their lives for 20 minutes, but you’ve made a difference. Sometimes a big difference.”

Keith C, Lifeline Volunteer

"You can receive challenging calls which remind you that being a volunteer is not always easy. But at the end of the day, this is about the helpseeker and you’ll find it very, very rewarding when you realise that you've made that little change in someone's life. That they’ve realised there is no point in enduring things alone when we are there to support them."

SuAnn Y, Crisis Supporter

Why do people volunteer to be a crisis supporter?

To connect with others

To offer hope

To give back to the community

To volunteer locally and have an impact nationally

 

To make new friends

To develop new skills for personal and professional growth

To join the Lifeline community

What does a crisis supporter do?

Once accepted, you will complete training to become a qualified Crisis Supporter

Depending on your training, you will respond to people in need of support on the phone, via web chat or through Lifeline Text

You will listen to what's going on for the person who has contacted you

If needed, you will create safety plans for help seekers

 

What traits do I need to have?

Good listener

Empathetic

Compassionate

Committed to helping others

Desire to make a positive difference

Who can become a crisis supporter?

Anyone is eligible to apply, provided the following criteria are met:

Must be 18 years or over

Must be willing to undertake a Criminal Record Check prior to acceptance into training

Must be an Australian resident

Must demonstrate the relevant attributes as outlined in the Crisis Supporter Position Description

Must be willing and able to meet all annual accreditation requirements, including regular shifts, logged in hours, professional development and supervision

 

Become a volunteer

To become a telephone volunteer Crisis Supporter for Lifeline Adelaide's Crisis Support service - 13 11 14 - you'll need to undertake extensive training, make a commitment to shifts, and meet further selection criteria. This is to ensure you'll be confident, skilled, and able to provide support to Lifeline's callers in their time of emotional distress and crisis. This is a very rewarding volunteer opportunity.

Units of competency

Lifeline Adelaide delivers the training on behalf of Lifeline Australia RTO 88036 and complies with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTO).

Lifeline Crisis Supporter Workplace Training (CSWT) offers a nationally recognised qualification CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set which includes the following three units of competency:

  • CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide

  • CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations

  • CHCCCS028 Provide client-centred support to people in crisis

 

Annual accreditation requirements​

To maintain your accreditation as a telephone crisis supporter it's important to remember that you must:

  • Have a minimum 92 logged in hours on the phone

  • Have a minimum 8 hours of professional development per year

  • Participate in regular supervision and call coaching

  • Undergo a Criminal Record Check every two years

Want to get involved through fundraising?

Every dollar you raise can save lives by helping support Lifeline Adelaide answer calls from people in crisis.

You can set up your own fundraising page and get your friends, family and work colleagues involved. Or we can provide you with a unique fundraising event page that you can share via email and social media, and easily see who is supporting your activity and how much money is being raised.

Contact us for our Community Fundraising Pack for tips and resources to help make your fundraising event a success.      

Ready to start fundraising on behalf of Lifeline Adelaide? Please fill out our Community Fundraising Proposal Form.