Sue has been with the Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland team for almost nine years. She is a mum and...
Make a meaningful impact on those in need as a Lifeline volunteer crisis supporter.
Why become a crisis supporter for Lifeline?
Every day, nine Australians lose their lives to suicide. But you can help us reduce that number by becoming a Lifeline Volunteer Crisis Supporter.
By joining Wesley Mission as a Lifeline volunteer, you’ll answer calls from people in the Sydney and Sutherland areas who are experiencing emotional distress. They may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, domestic and family violence, anxiety, substance abuse, isolation or loneliness.
You’ll be part of a community of supportive, caring people who want to be there for others in their darkest moments. It’s an opportunity to make a genuine, life-changing impact on those who need it most, and help reduce the rate of suicide in Australia. As a crisis supporter, you’ll make a difference in people’s lives and enhance your own communication skills at the same time.
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Find a sense of purpose
Making a difference to people in crisis can be deeply fulfilling and give you a sense of purpose.
Embrace personal growth
Learn valuable skills like active listening, empathy and crisis intervention that you can use in other areas of your life.
Join a community
Be part of a network of compassionate people who want to support the wellbeing of others and create more resilient communities.
Keep learning
Benefit from ongoing mentorship, support and resources to help you enhance your skills and resilience over time.
Who can volunteer?
Lifeline volunteer crisis supporters come from a range of different ages, backgrounds and genders. You don’t need any previous training or counselling experience – you just need to be 18 or over and have a genuine desire to help and give back to the community.
You’ll receive full training to prepare for your work with us, with regular ongoing skills development and supervision. You will need to commit to training before you get started – speak to us to find out when training takes place and what your requirements are.
If you’re mature, a good listener, non-judgmental and have a warm and caring nature, we would love to hear from you.
How to apply
Register your interest in becoming a Lifeline volunteer crisis supporter below, or download our pre-enrolment course information booklet to learn more. Click here to download our booklet. Once your application is approved, you’ll undergo a four-step training and accreditation process.
Step 1
Training
Initial training includes an e-learning module, followed by ten face to face topic modules. During this time you’ll complete at least one observation shift and three role play assessments.
Step 2
Placement
Next, you’ll complete 16 hours of logged call experience and a two hour mid-placement face to face workshop. Your final placement will be assessed within eight weeks
Step 3
Internship
For up to nine months, you’ll complete 56 hours of logged call experience. During this time you’ll also complete:
- A minimum call coaching session of 90 minutes
- Two group supervision sessions of two hours each
- Three eLearning modules followed by a three hour face-to-face masterclass
- An assessed roleplay
- A final interview.
Step 4
Ongoing accreditation
Each year you’ll need to complete:
- 92 logged call hours
- 8 hours of professional development (at least four hours face-to-face)
- 4 group supervisions - you can replace one group supervision session with an individual supervision session
- 2 call coaching sessions
What people are saying
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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. -
At first I did find some of the calls confronting,” says Sue. But the compassion I felt for our help-seekers really worked to overpower the intensity of what I was hearing.
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