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Become a volunteer Crisis Supporter
Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland
What is a volunteer Crisis Supporter?
Our volunteer Crisis Supporters are the heart of Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland’s service.
As a volunteer Crisis Supporter, you’ll respond to people in crisis on the phone, so no one faces their darkest times alone. You’ll complete training to become a fully accredited, qualified phone Crisis Supporter. Working from either our Sydney City or Sylvania centre you’ll listen to people in their time of need, without judgement, help them identify their next steps and encourage them to take positive action.
What makes a great volunteer Crisis Supporter?
Empathy | Understand what someone’s going through, without judgement.
Resilience | Adapt and adjust to emotionally difficult or challenging situations.
Open-mindedness | Remain non-judgemental of people, their circumstances and issues.
Commitment | Connection to our vision of Australia free from suicide.
Communication | Engage wholly in conversations, seek information, listen and reflect.
“I had a marriage breakdown and following assistance by counsellors, I wanted to put back something into the community. There are a lot of people out there who have needs and in some way I’m able to help them, maybe by no more than just relieving the pressure of the moment through talking.”
Ken
Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland volunteer Crisis Supporter
Do I see myself as a volunteer Crisis Supporter?
Do you want to give back to your community? Are you passionate about suicide prevention? Do you want to develop life-enhancing personal and professional skills?
Volunteer Crisis Supporters come from all walks of life – and it’s this range of experience that enables Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland to connect with people in crisis on all levels.
If you're a student
Are you 18+ years old, studying a relevant degree and looking to gain real life experience and skills in crisis work?
You can:
- obtain academic credits.
- achieve nationally recognised statement of attainment in the following 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.
Stay-at-home parent
Are you:
- looking to volunteer, make a difference or contribute to community?
- supportive of Lifeline’s vision of a suicide free Australia?
- looking to learn new skills, connect with a community of like-minded people and form new friendships?
Corporate professionals
Are you:
- looking to support a cause and give back?
- supportive of Lifeline’s vision of a suicide free Australia?
- seeking to learn new skills that will enhance your relationships and hopefully, life?
Retiree
Are you:
- looking to stay mentally active, share life skills and learn new skills?
- supportive of Lifeline’s vision of a suicide free Australia?
- wanting to connect with a community of like-minded people, give back and have some fun?
How do I become a volunteer Crisis Supporter?
Your journey from training to becoming an accredited crisis supporter involves three stages, including training workshops, placement and an internship, which is followed by ongoing accreditation.
You’ll complete accredited CHCSS00113 – Crisis Support Skill Set Training delivered on behalf of Lifeline Australia RTO 88036 by Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland. The training includes a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment of 3 units of competency, including:
- 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.
To achieve your accreditation, you must attend and actively engage in all components of the course. You’ll have a choice of learning options, access to a variety of training pathways and receive additional support.
Stage 1: Training
3 or 6 weeks
Firstly, enjoy self-paced online learning, then complete intensive sessions over 3 or 6 weeks and lastly finish with 1-2 phone observation shifts.
Stage 2: Placement
4 to 6 weeks
Complete 16 hours of logged call experience (4 x 4-hour shifts), a mid-placement 2-hour face-to-face workshop, orientation and learning assessment.
Stage 3: Internship
up to 9 months
Complete 56 hours of logged call experience, ongoing feedback and coaching, wellbeing check, plus three professional development sessions.
Ongoing Accreditation
92 hours/year
Training and assessments complete, ongoing feedback and coaching, as required, wellbeing check and final interview and accreditation.
Am I eligible to apply?
If you:
- are 18 years or older and an Australian/New Zealand citizen/permanent resident or hold a valid visa with no study restrictions
- demonstrate the relevant attributes as outlined by Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland
- are willing and able to meet all annual accreditation requirements, including regular shifts, professional development and supervision
- provide your USI number, Medicare number and complete a Working with Children Check.
Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland Crisis Support Volunteer training costs $1,200. If you’re a student, contact us at the application stage to discuss potential training subsidies.
Upcoming training programs
Course | Date | Location | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
Simple content | Simple content | Simple content |
A typical shift as a volunteer Crisis Supporter
Answer calls from people in crisis experiencing suicidal distress, self-harm, domestic and family violence, anxiety, substance abuse, isolation or loneliness.
You may be affected by the intensity of interactions and the support required.
You may be triggered if a help seeker’s situation aligns with your own.
As a volunteer Crisis Supporter, you’ll have access to ongoing support, wellbeing checks and mentorship.
We’re here for you.
Register your interest to become a volunteer Crisis Supporter
Lifeline Australia Ltd RTO code: 88036. Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland on behalf of Lifeline Australia complies with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTO).