Lifeline Services
RESPONDING TO CHANGING COMMUNITY NEEDS
Who Uses Lifeline
People turn to Lifeline because they are struggling with one or more elements of their life. Not only the marginalised, the disadvantaged and the poor need help from Lifeline. There is no means test to determine whose life will be affected by trauma, adversity and heartbreak. People from all walks of life benefit. That is why Lifeline's work is so vital: it is inclusive and wide-ranging.
Ongoing Training of Telephone Counsellors
Each year, Lifeline North Coast (NSW) trains new volunteers to become telephone counsellors. Our telephone counsellor training is highly regarded in its ability to provide participants with practical skills in active listening, relationship building, questioning and self-awareness. Specific knowledge is also gained in the areas of grief and loss, suicide, domestic violence, drug & alcohol and mental health.
Training of new counsellors each year, in-service training and ongoing supervision is essential in order that the service maintains its high quality of operation.
Face-to-Face Counselling
The face-to-face counselling service continues to be a major focus of Lifeline North Coast's work and provides a strong support to our telephone counselling service and personal development programs. Those seeking counselling are often dealing with relationship difficulties and the associated emotional distress, grief, depression, and lack of close family or community support. This confidential counselling offers both therapeutic and educational benefits for couples, families, and individuals of all ages in a brief therapy format. Qualified counsellors are professionally supervised and trained in a range of approaches to take account of the thinking, emotional and spiritual dimensions of human nature. Demand continues to increase for this service.
Problem Gambling Counselling is a free service for problem gamblers and their families.
Financial Counselling is also a free service.
Carers Counselling
Community Disaster Recovery
Lifeline North Coast is building its capacity to provide a counselling response to the community during the recovery period following a disaster. Inquiries following recent floods and other locally specific disasters have indicated a high need for this type of service. It will involve teams of specially trained counsellors who remain in the disaster area to provide support, debrief emergency service workers, and assist individuals and families to adjust to the trauma of their experience.
Suicide Prevention Training
The two-day ASIST workshop is one of the most extensively evaluated suicide intervention training programs. ASIST moves beyond suicide awareness to help participants develop skills in how to recognise and respond to a person at risk, linking them to further help. The next Suicide Prevention Workshop will be held in Coffs Harbour in 2009, for more details please contact the office on 6651 4093 or visit the website on www.livingworks.org.au
Work for the Dole Participants
Lifeline North Coast has developed its status as a sponsor organisation in the Work for the Dole program that provides worthwhile placements and supervision to ensure participants have the support required. Participants have started in Lifeline projects in retail, warehousing and administration. Work for the Dole gives job-seekers a foot in the door into organisations, and boosts confidence and self-esteem.