Lifeline offer a 24/7 Phone Service to the Australian community, and this wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of people like you volunteering as Crisis Supporters.
We are looking for volunteers who are good listeners, empathetic, compassionate and committed to supporting others.
Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity to join our organisation
You can register for an upcoming Information Session to find out more and have the opportunity to ask questions before applying.
If you are ready to apply, you can use the training group links below to see the training schedule and start the application process.
Crisis Support Training Registration
Upcoming Training Groups and Dates
Application Process
The first step to becoming a Crisis Supporter is to complete the Crisis Support Worker Training (CSWT).
You can apply for Crisis Supporter training by submit an application for your preferred group, using the training group links above.
In each training group you will be able to view the training schedule and assess your availability. To successfully complete the training 100% attendance is required so it is important to review this before applying.
If the available dates aren't suitable you can enquire below to be kept up to date on new training groups as they are release.
Suitability for the role is assessed on your written application and through a follow up interview. A place in the training group will only be offered once suitability has been assessed.
The Crisis Supporter Journey
A Crisis Supporter will:
Train
Once accepted, you will complete training to become a qualified Crisis Supporter. The training is delivered by Lifeline and you will be supported along the way.
Respond
You will respond to people in need of support via phone, from your local Lifeline Centre.
Crisis Supporters help answer calls from those reaching out for someone to talk to via our 13 11 14 crisis support line.
Listen
You will listen to what’s going on for the person who has contacted you, hear their story and sit with their distress.
Empower
You will support the person to identify their next steps and encourage them to generate and own the action. If needed, you will create a safety plan with them. In this role you will have a real impact on the life of those you support.
Information Session
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Crisis Supporter and what is involved before committing to training, join an online information session.
Volunteer and make a difference
More Information
Crisis Supporter Training and Commitment
Comprehensive training is provided to our volunteer crisis supporters, will ensure you are qualified to offer a high standard of crisis support that keeps people safe. You’ll complete a training period to give you all the expertise you will need to navigate crisis intervention successfully and empathetically.
Crisis Supporters commit to volunteering four hours per fortnight at their local Lifeline Centre after they complete their initial training.
Lifeline Australia RTO 88036 is regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Lifeline Direct Centres deliver the accredited training CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set on behalf of Lifeline Australia RTO 88036.
The accredited training includes the three Units of Competency listed below:
- 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
Once you have successfully completed the training for the above Units of Competency, you will be become a Lifeline Accredited Crisis Supporter.
To obtain these units of competency this course consists of 3 stages over a 12 month period as outlined in the CSWT Pathway.
For further information please read the RTO Compliance Manual here.
What is required to become a volunteer Crisis Supporter
- Good listening skills
- Empathy, compassion & commitment
- A desire to make a positive difference
- Time and investment for your training - Please be aware that attendance at all training dates are compulsory to complete the course.
- A minimum of 4 hours per fortnight available to volunteer once your training is complete
- A police check and Working with Children Check/Working with Vulnerable People Check (WWCC/WWVP) relevant to your state/territory. Please note that these checks are at your own cost
- Transport to and from your nearest Lifeline Centre
- Basic computer skills and access to a reliable computer and internet for the training
- Student contribution towards training costs
Where is my local Lifeline Centre
Volunteering for Lifeline Direct gives you access to volunteering in the following centres:
- Hunter (Islington)
- Central Coast (Wyoming)
- Bondi (Westfield Bondi Junction)
- Geelong (Geelong)
- South West Victoria (Remote volunteering only)
- New England North West (Armidale, Tamworth or Remote)
- Northern NSW (Lismore)
- Western Melbourne (VU, St Albans)
For a full list of Lifeline Centres across Australia click here
Read our Crisis Supporter Blog: Three Part Series
Read more about the role of a Crisis Supporter on our recent three part blog series:
Volunteering with Lifeline as a Crisis Supporter - An Introduction
Volunteering with Lifeline as a Crisis Supporter - The Basics
Volunteering with Lifeline as a Crisis Supporter - The Training
