Lifeline's outstanding and dedicated Crisis Supporter Volunteers mean no Australian need face their darkest moment alone. They are the heart of our organisation, and we are ever grateful for their contribution to the Australian community. Approximately 3,500 trained individuals provide Lifeline’s crisis support services and respond to a wide range of people and issues.
Register your interest in becoming a crisis support worker.
What exactly does a Lifeline Crisis Supporter do?
Crisis Supporters play an integral role in keeping callers safe by assessing situations of distress and suicidal risk and assisting and intervening accordingly.
A Crisis Supporter will:
- Respond to people in need of support on the phone
- Listen to what's happening for the person who has contacted Lifeline and help address a range of feelings, including anxiety, depression, loneliness and disconnection.
- Create a safe space for them to speak their mind and discuss what is troubling them.
- Assess the help seekers' situation and suicidal risk.
- Collaboratively create steps to keep the help seeker safe for now (provide pathways to further care and support as necessary).
- Offer hope at the help seekers' most difficult times.
Why do people Volunteer to become Crisis Supporters?
Our volunteers come from all walks of life, communities and cultures and are of all ages, from 18 and over. As a volunteer, you will be able to connect with other supporters and make new friends, develop new skills for personal and professional growth, offer hope and give back to your community.
What qualities or traits do you look for in a crisis support worker?
Our Volunteer Crisis Supporters come to us with a unified sense of purpose, to connect with others and bring hope. They are generally:
- Good listeners
- Empathetic and compassionate
- Committed to helping others
- Have a desire to make a positive difference
Why do people contact Lifeline?
People contact Lifeline for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to:
- Family Breakdown - separation, divorce, child custody and access
- Domestic and Family Violence
- Addiction
- Health and disability, and carer issues
- Loss and grief
- Mental health issues management
- Referral to community services and support
- Relationship issues - family, partner, child, friends, relatives and or work colleagues
- Traumatic events and personal trauma
- Suicidal ideation of callers or third parties
- Loneliness
- Sexual Assault
Read the follow on post in our blog series:
Are you interested in becoming a Crisis Support Volunteer?