Lifeline’s 24/7, crisis support phone service 13 11 14, relies on volunteers like you. We're seeking compassionate, empathetic listeners committed to supporting others.
Join Us for an Information Session
Curious about becoming a Crisis Supporter? We recommend watching our online Information Session to learn more about this unique volunteering opportunity.
Ready to Apply?
Once you have watched an information session, you can apply to join the training and start the journey to become a volunteer crisis supporter.
Your pathway to becoming a Crisis Supporter
- Train – Complete Lifeline’s Crisis Support Worker Training (CSWT) with 100% attendance required. Choose a training group that fits your schedule.
- Respond – Answer calls from individuals in crisis at your local Lifeline Centre via our 13 11 14 support line.
- Listen – Provide a listening ear, understand their story, and sit with their distress.
- Empower – Help them identify next steps, offering support and, when needed, creating a safety plan.
Volunteer and make a difference
More Information
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 using the link above.
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.
If your application is successful, details about upcoming training groups will be provided.
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
Start Your Journey Today
Register for an Information Session or Apply Now to make a real impact on someone’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What upcoming training dates are there?
Lifeline hosts up to 8 training groups annually. Successful applicants will be provided with the details about upcoming training groups and dates and will be able to select a suitable group to suit their schedule.
Do you do training during uni breaks for students?
Not specifically, although the first training groups of the year often align with uni breaks.
Can you volunteer remotely?
You are able to volunteer remotely, however we generally find that people who volunteer in one of our call centres have a greater experience as it allows them to connect in-person with their peers. If you wish to work remotely, and live within 50 kms of a centre, it is our preference that you complete placement and internship in-centre before moving to remote volunteering.
What kind of shift flexibility is there for volunteers?
The volunteer commitment is four hours per fortnight. Most people choose to complete a weekly shift between 2 and 4 hours long. Shifts are typically 4 hours and can be completed during business hours as well as evenings and on weekends.
What is the minimum age requirement to become a volunteer?
Volunteers must be 18 years old to volunteer as a Crisis Supporter.
Is there 'express' training or recognition of prior learning for people already studying or qualified in roles like psychology or social work?
No, as the training is practical, and workplace based. Those with prior experience in relevant fields will come to the training with a good foundation in what is being taught, but the training is the same for everyone regardless.
Can I be a digital crisis supporter (text or chat) or is it only phone support?
Lifeline Direct only offers training for phone crisis support, however you can become a digital crisis supporter via Lifeline Australia's Digital Support training. It involves 40-50 hours of training over a 12-week period so that you can provide one-off crisis support via online Chat and Text (SMS) to people who could benefit from immediate and short-term assistance.
