Lifeline Northern NSW Seeks Volunteers to Join Crisis Support Team Amid Rising Demand

Lifeline Northern NSW is inviting community members to become volunteer crisis supporters, responding to the growing need for emotional and crisis support across the region. The call for volunteers comes as Lifeline has observed a 35% increase in demand for its services since the COVID-19 pandemic began, further exacerbated recently by economic pressures.

Volunteering as a crisis supporter involves undergoing extensive training to prepare individuals for handling sensitive calls, offering hope and empathetic listening to those in distress. The training, which initially takes place online over eight to ten weeks, equips volunteers to manage a range of challenging situations with calm and effective responses.

Kathryn Russell (pictured), a youth program worker and volunteer crisis supporter, shared her transformative experience with Lifeline.

“The training was unexpectedly lifechanging. It taught me deep listening, empathy, and how to maintain composure during intense situations,” Russell said. She recalled a poignant moment when she helped a caller develop a safety plan, providing them with a renewed sense of hope.

Crisis supporters typically commit to one four-hour shift every fortnight, with fexible training schedules and volunteer hours to accommodate varying lifestyles. Lisa Barnes, a team leader at Lifeline, emphasized the inclusivity of the program. “We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, ages, and experiences. You don’t need to have prior counselling experience; we’re looking for empathic individuals eager to make a difference,” Barnes stated.

Lifeline Northern NSW is one of the 43 Lifeline centres nationwide, where over 4,000 volunteers answer close to one million calls each year. The organization provides 24-hour support, including phone calls, text messages, and online chats, addressing the critical need for suicide prevention and crisis intervention. This opportunity not only offers a chance to contribute meaningfully to the community but also provides volunteers with invaluable skills and experiences in the mental health feld. For more information on becoming a crisis supporter and other ways to help, visit northernNSW.lifeline. org.au.

If this story or any personal issues raise concerns for you, please reach out to Lifeline at any time by calling 13 11 14, texting 0477 131 114, or engaging in an online chat at lifeline. org.au.