About Lifeline Northern Beaches NSW

Lifeline Northern Beaches Inc offers 24 hours Telephone Counselling and a variety of other support services including personal counselling, financial counselling, a variety of groups, support services for the elderly and emergency relief (see Lifeline Services).

We have been servicing the Northern Beaches area of Sydney since October 1968.  Our area extends from Palm Beach across the Spit Bridge to Mosman, Neutral Bay, Cremorne and Kirribilli and includes Forestville, Frenchs Forest, Davidson, Belrose and Terrey Hills.

We have approximately 400 volunteers, and a paid staff of 30 (equivalent of 14 full time people).

We rely on community support for over 90% of our operational funding. The majority of revenue is raised through our second hand shops (see Business Services), the generous support of the service clubs in our area, bookfairs, golf days and our fete.

Op Shops

Op shops at Balgowlah, Dee Why, Forestville and Mona Vale sell good quality new and second hand clothing, homewares and books. We also have a Kids World Warehouse at Chard Rd Brookvale . See Business Services for address details, contact numbers and trading hours.

Lifeline Volunteers

Telephone counsellors are recruited twice a year in February and in July and are required to complete a comprehensive training program prior to filling rostered positions on the 24 hour counselling line.

Other volunteering opportunities are offered visiting the elderly, helping in the shops, assisting in the warehouse, book sorting and pricing and assisting at our fundraising events.

Donors

The generosity of many organisations and individuals help us to keep this vital service available to the northern beaches community through cash and in-kind donations. We gratefully acknowledge the support of: Dee Why RSL, Manly Warringah Rugby League Club, Pittwater RSL, Forestville RSL, Balgowlah RSL Collaroy Beach Services Club, The Penn Foundation and the Rotary Club of Balgowlah.

Contact Us
Phone: 02 9949 5522 or admin@lifelinenb.org.au

Donate to Lifeline

We have Donation Bins at:-

• Lifeline Op Shop 120 Condamine Street Balgowlah (opposite Totem Shopping Centre);
• Seaforth - corner Panorama Street and Grandview Crescent;
• Allambie Heights Shopping Centre, Griror Place;
• Frenchs Forest - Forestway Shopping Centre
• Christian City Church cnr Wakehurst Parkway & Dreadnought Rd Oxford Falls
• Uniting Church,  Yeo St Neutral Bay  
• or drop goods into our shops (see Business Services) or to our.

Donations accepted all year round

Financial donations are most appreciated at any time.

We raise 93% of our income each year through our shops, fete, bookfairs and donations,  financial donations are very important to us. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Phone the office on 9949 5522 during business hours for details, contact admin@lifelinenb.org.au or post to Lifeline Northern Beaches Inc, PO Box 681, Balgowlah 2093.
Some donors elect to become "A Friend of Lifeline" and make an annual donation; others remember us in their wills.

Volunteer with us

Train to become a voluntary Telephone Counsellor.

The next course commences July 2012.

The course is a combination of e-learning and weekly face to face group work,  and practising counselling skills. Places are limited. A selection process involves application, interview and confirmation of eligibility criteria outlined below.

Telephone counsellors enjoy monthly on-going training with outside speakers, and there is a residential weekend offered each year.

Becoming a Telephone Counsellor is a great way to help your community, build your own skills and knowledge, and belong to a committed and fun team.

Phone 9949 5522 during business hours to apply, any time during the year. An application form will be posted to you prior to the commencement of the next course.

Telephone Counselling Course

WHERE: 310 Sydney Rd Balgowlah (walk down the brick paved plaza next to the Raaj Indian restaurant and enter through the double glass doors.

WHEN: Wednesday night 6.45pm (for 7.00pm start) – 10.00pm plus

Plus:
1 Saturday and 1 two day workshop.

COST:   $495

Eligibility Criteria:

1. A desire to learn
2. No previous counselling experience or qualifications are necessary
3. Minimum age 20 years
4. Willingness to comply with Lifeline's Code of Ethics, policy and procedures and OH & S safety requirements
5. Participants should have the capacity and willingness to respond to all people in a non- judgemental and accepting manner
6. Have the time available to commit to regular fortnightly shifts and a number of overnight shifts annually
7. Agree to a background check
8. Basic computer skills

About the Course

The course will focus on the skills you need to become a competent telephone Counsellor.
These include:

• reflective listening
• empathy
• confrontation and challenging
• questions (and how to avoid them)
• summarising and normalising
• exploring options
• how to end calls

Along with these skills, you will learn the theory behind the non-directive form of counselling used at Lifeline and how it differs from other forms of counselling. Informal lectures, group work and role-plays in the form of simulated counselling calls will be the main methods of learning. The latter part of the course focuses on some of the issues, which we regularly deal with on the Lifeline phones. These include suicide, mental health, sexual callers, regular callers, angry callers as well as grief and loss.

Because Lifeline deals with many personal aspects of people’s lives, we ask at the beginning of the course that you sign a Declaration of Confidentiality. This states that you will hold inconfidence all information obtained throughout the duration of the course.

Sit Ins:

Those who successfully complete the modules 1-13 and wish to continue to become Telephone Counsellors will proceed to “sit-ins”. On these shifts you will familiarise yourself with the phone room procedures. At completion of sit-ins you will be asked to make a two year commitment requiring a minimum of 92 hours counselling per year including overnight shifts. (exemption from these is only permitted on medical grounds)and attendance at some in-service training.

Assessment

There are three forms of assessment during the course:

1. participation in group work
2. simulated counselling calls
3. course attendance

The training team will consider your performance on each of these in order to decide your suitability for telephone counselling. Feedback will be given throughout the course.

Course topics

About Lifeline & Getting Acquainted
Communication Skills/Communication in Counselling
The Counsellor's Values
Sensitivity/Introduction to Counselling
Self Esteem/Self Awareness
Counselling Skills and Practice I, II, and III
The Sexual Caller/Practice skills
Addictions/Practice Skills
Mental Health Issues I, II/Practice Skills
Grief & Loss/Practice Skills
The Angry Caller/Practice Skills
The Recurrent Caller/Practice Skills
Suicide Intervention
Practice Skills (2 sessions)
Followed by interviews, then 4 other sessions for those selected to become Telephone Counsellors.
Phone us on 99495522 to enrol.

If you want to help Lifeline but feel the telephone counselling course is not for you there are other areas where help is always needed.  These services provide the funds to operate the telephone counselling service. 

Volunteer in one of our Op shops or warehouse

Our volunteers work with donated goods. Sorting, pricing, selling, tidying as part of a team, with a co-ordinator to orient and support you.  Contact the office on 99495522.

Become a volunteer visitor with one of our services for older people

Our Community Visitors (CVS), visit the lonely in nursing homes. The co-ordinator, Helen Pook interviews new volunteers and matches them to a person in a nursing home. Helen is there for orientation and support and there is a monthly morning meeting with the other CVS volunteers

Become a book fair volunteer

Donate your unwanted, saleable goods, or become a financial donor (see Donations )

Visit our shops and Warehouse for your bargains and to help us financially (see Business Services )

For more information please:
Phone: 02 9949 5522
Email: lifelinenb.org.au

Lifeline Services

24 hour telephone counselling

Our 140 trained Telephone Counsellors (TCs) are there every day of the year.
People phone to talk over all types of problems - for example - relationships, anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress, work issues, parents, kids, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.

Our counsellors are trained through a course that is one night per week and 3 Saturdays for 5 months; and they have monthly in-service training. Our counsellors are taught to listen, support, and help but not to give advice. Referrals to other agencies will be made if appropriate. Phone 131114 anytime.

Personal Counselling

Our thirty volunteer trained personal counsellors are available for daytime, evening and weekend appointments. They have a range of qualifications and experience, and clients are placed with the counsellor who seems most appropriate for their problem area.

Some of our personal counsellors have expertise in particular areas, eg couple and family counselling, drug and alcohol counselling. See below as well for specialist counselling services. There is a small fee for each session, this is based on a sliding scale which will be explained by the counselling manager on inquiry. Fees are waived for those experiencing hardship. Phone 9949 5522 during business hours for an appointment.

Problem Gambling Counselling & Support Groups

Both personal counselling and counselling in a group is provided for those whose gambling has become a problem. Separate groups are held in the evening for family/friends or those with the problem
Phone 9949 5522 for information or an appointment.

Financial Counselling

Face to face counselling service for those experiencing financial difficulties that can range from budgeting to bankruptcy. Problems may include failed business, over spending on credit cards, gambling debts, or many other issues.

Support Groups

A number of support groups are offered over a 5-8 week period. These include groups for depression, anxiety, problem gambling, quitting smoking, loss & grief, suicide bereavement, anger (for men and women), and new parents. 

See our full list of groups, and contact the office on 9949 5522 for information

Lifeline Suicide Crisis Support Program

We offer short term phone support by an experienced counsellor for those experiencing suicidal thoughts, or concerned family members.

The aim of this program is to provide encouragement for the person to make contact with a doctor, counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist, and to support them. Lifeline Northern Beaches is playing a key role in a national research project aimed at developing best practice standards for suicide support. For information phone 9949 5522

Welfare Assistance

Welfare assistance is available for individuals and families facing financial difficulties. Food and/or vouchers are available for those experiencing difficulties. This service is open weekdays only between 10am and 1pm.

The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS)

places volunteer visitors in nursing homes in our local community. The co-ordinator Helen Pook seeks volunteers who would like to be involved in this type of rewarding volunteer experience.
Helen is available Mondays and Wednesdays on 9949 5522 (or leave a message with the office) or by contacting admin@lifelinenb.com.au

The Senior Volunteer Service (SVS)

places volunteer visitors with isolated people in their own homes. The co-ordinator Christina seeks volunteers who would enjoy this type of visiting. Christina also seeks new 'clients' who need a home visit, who live in the Manly Warringah areas. Phone the office and leave a message on 9949 5522 during office hours.

Further enquiries may be made by contacting admin@lifelinenb.com.au

Stress Management workshops

What is Stress? Effects of Stress. Strategies to help build resilience.

Presented by Kathi Pauncz Registered Psychologist Phone 9949 5522

Recruitment

Lifeline Northern Beaches is always looking for volunteers to

• Train as telephone counsellors.Phone the office on 9949 5522 for an information pack.
• Shop assistants in the Op shops at Balgowlah, Cremorne, Dee Why, Mona Vale,  Forestville and at Kids World Warehouse in Brookvale .
• Sorters at the warehouse
• Book fair sorters, prices
• Other fundraising activities 
• Visit the elderly

How may you benefit from participating?

• Practical skills
• Personal and professional growth and development
• Giving back to your community
• Belonging to Lifeline community
• Ongoing support in your work with Lifeline

Contact Us

Phone: 02 9949 5522 or admin@lifelinenb.org.au

How Can I Help?

Shop Locations

You will always find something of interest at our shops - at bargain prices.

Brand new and recycled clothing!!

Balgowlah Opportunity Shop

120 Condamine Street
Phone 9949 1177
Weekdays 9.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

Cremorne Opportunity Shop

112 Cabramatta Road
Phone 9953 3701
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Mona Vale Opportunity Shop

Shop 1, 2 Bungan Lane
Phone 9979 8045
Weekdays 9am - 4.30pm
Saturday 9am - 1.30pm

Dee Why Opportunity Shop

908 Pittwater Road
Phone 9972 2468
Weekdays 9am - 4.30pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Kids World

1/5 Chard Rd, Brookvale
Phone 9939 2139
Weekdays 9am - 5.00pm
Saturday 10am -1.00pm

Forestville Opportunity Shop

Shop 47 The Centre
Phone 9453 3980
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm

Warehouse/Bargains/ Bulk Buys

Unit 2, 267 Harbord Rd
Brookvale 2100
Phone 9939 9746
Weekdays 8am - 1.00pm
$1 day each Friday

The warehouse sells clothing items $2 and under, plus shoes, bag, and some household items and bric a brac. They also sell towelling for industrial cleaning, (garages, bars etc), and bulk clothing (by the bag).

Donations can be dropped off at any of these premises during business hours:-

Please drop books off at the Opportunity shop at Balgowlah (driveway next to the shop, and between shop and the church; park near the small porch, door is here).

Bin Locations

Please place goods whenever possible IN the bins

• Balgowlah Opportunity shop, 120 Condamine Street Balgowlah (opposite the Totem centre, next to the Uniting church.)
• Panorama Parade, Seaforth (formerly Uniting Church, now pre-school), directly opposite Ross St
• Allambie Gregor Place
• Frenchs Forest Forestway Shopping Centre 
• Christian City Church - cnr Wakehurst Parkway & Dreadnought Rd, Oxford Falls
• Uniting Church Yeo St, Neutral Bay

Links

Lifeline's services related websites

Resources for individuals, professionals, families and communities.

Lifeline International
Lifeline provides a mantle of compassion, linking people with people and country with country.

Lifeline Service Finder
A comprehensive database of low cost or free health and community services offered throughout Australia.

Living Works / Suicide Prevention
A suicide prevention scheme, auspiced by Lifeline Australia.

Other Useful Websites

Attention Deficit Disorder, Parenting South Australia
Helping parents be their best.

Auseinet
Australian network for promotion, prevention and early intervention for mental health.

Beyond Blue
An Australia site with information on depression.

BluePages Information on Depression
Information about depression for consumers, produced by the Centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University, CSIRO Mathematical & Information Sciences with the assistance of an advisory board.

Carers Australia
Supporting information for carers including parents, families, teachers, friends, and professional carers of people with disacility and mental illness.

Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression
A group of researchers and clinicians concerned with anxiety and depression. The website provides self help information and facts about mental illness such as depression, panic attacks and anxiety.

Headroom
Formerly known as Partnership with Young People Project (PYPP), a South Australian mental health promotion project managed by the Division of Mental Health, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide. This website aims to inform young people, their caregivers and service providers about positive mental health.

Health Insite
A portal to mental health issues.

Kids Helpline
A national telephone counselling service for young people aged between 5-18 years. Free call - 1800 55 1800.

LivingWorks Education, Inc (Canada)

MoodGYM
Training programs about cognitive behaviour therapy for preventing depression.

Multicultural Mental Health Australia
Multicultural Mental Health Australia provides national leadership in mental health and suicide prevention for Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and works to promotr better mental health and well-being for a diverse community.

Reach Out!
An initiative of the Inspire Foundation for young people to help themselves and get involved in their community through difficult times

SANE Australia
A national charity helping people affected by mental illness. SANE Australia Helpline Free call - 1800 18 SANE (7263).

The Australian Governmment Department of Health and Aging

The Mental Health Council of Australia
An independent, non-government sector peak body established under the National Mental Health Strategy to represent and promote the interests of the mental health sector and advise on mental health in Australia.

The World Federal of Mental Health
Founded in 1948 to advance, among all people and nationa, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of thos with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health.

Support Groups

Lifeline Northern Beaches offers many support groups. These run for 5-8 weeks and are subject to minimum numbers.

To register your interest, or learn more, please phone the office on 99495522.

Problem Gambling

For those whose gambling has become a problem - personal counselling and counselling in a group is available. Separate groups are held in the evening for family/friends or those with the problem

Anxiety Group

Groups are run through out the year and offer education and techniques to deal with the issues.

Anger Management - Men or Women

We offer support groups for anger management - separate groups for men and for women.

Relationships Group Program

For couples or individuals seeking help in this area of their lives.

New Parents - Realities of Parenthood

A 6 week program

Depression

Please enquire.

Quit Smoking Group

Free 6 week stop smoking group offering information and strategies to quit smoking. 

Grief & Loss

For individuals who have or are experiencing loss of relationship through divorce, separation or bereavement.  The group may help you by realising you are not alone and provides some coping strategies. 

Problem Gambling Group

Education and support to deal with problem gambling.

Suicide Bereavement Support Group

For those bereaved by the suicide of a loved one, an open Suicide Bereavement Support Group meets the first Tuesday of each month 7.00-9.00pm.

An open group is an ongoing group offering the opportunity for those in need to come along and share and receive continuing support whenever they need it.

To enquire please phone Kathi at Lifeline 99495522.

Note that we also offer the Lifeline Suicide Crisis Support Program, a short term phone support by an experienced counsellor for those experiencing suicidal thoughts, or concerned family members. 

Stress Management workshops

What is Stress? Effects of Stress. Strategies to help build resilience.

Presented by Kathi Pauncz Registered Psychologist

If you would like more information or are thinking of joining any of the groups, please phone the office on 99495522.