On World Mental Health Day (10th October) Victoria University (VU) and Lifeline Direct signed a five-year agreement aimed at boosting the professional workforce for Victorians requiring crisis support and suicide prevention services. The agreement will see Lifeline establish its first crisis line and face-to-face counselling services, exclusively on a Victorian university campus. The centre, to open in November at VU’s St Albans Campus, will be serviced by about 20 staff and volunteers. It will offer real-world opportunities for VU students in youth work, psychology, counselling, community services and social work – at both the higher education and TAFE levels – to train as crisis support workers. VU researchers will also begin impactful collaborations with the Lifeline Research Foundation.
“At Lifeline we work in the community for community, so it is great to be part of the VU community,” Mr Doherty said. “It is important that our 13 11 14 crisis supporters come from all walks of life – including students and young people.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Crisis Supporter and the training program visit: Become a Crisis Supporter
Image credit: Victoria University
From Left: Lifeline General Manager Jason Doherty, and Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Adam Shoemaker