How Can I Help?

Volunteering

LIFELINE MID COAST
will be conducting
Volunteer Telephone Counsellor Training
in Port Macquarie and Taree
For details and application: PHONE 6581 2800
Or, write to PO Box 5030, Port Macquarie 2444
Or, email to midcoast@lifeline.org.au
Closing date 18th April 2006

What a Lifeline Telephone Counsellor does

The role of the telephone counsellor is essentially one person caring for another by telephone. It is not advice giving. The aim is to listen, without telling the caller what they should or should not do - just allowing their hurts and fears to be expressed, heard and understood. This affirms that person's own sense of worth and personal power, and potentially provides them with the courage to make decisions about their own lives.

The Right Applicant

Lifeline is looking for a mature person (usually over 25 years of age) with skills that enable them to listen and respond warmly to others. This person has a commitment to their own personal growth, awareness of their motivations and realistic expectations. A genuine acceptance of other people who may have different beliefs and values is needed. Applicants should be able to make a responsible commitment to the requirements of the Lifeline organisation and have an understanding and acceptance of its Christian basis.

Telephone counsellors come from all walks of life. They are willing to give their time to be trained, and then sit at the telephone and respond to the variety of need that presents itself. They are the frontline workers of the Lifeline movement.

To Apply

Phone the Lifeline office on (02) 6581 2800, or e-mail us at midcoast@Lifeline.org.au and ask for an information brochure and an application form to enrol as a participant on the Basic Telephone Counsellor Training Course or the Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills course.

Lifeline's Expectations

Lifeline expects telephone counsellors to abide by the philosophy of Lifeline, particularly with regard to non-judgementalism, anonymity and confidentiality. You will be asked do one shift per fortnight. Participation in In-service Training is considered vital.

The time and emotional demands made on you during the Basic Training Course and when you begin telephone counselling will be considerable. We encourage you to discuss this commitment fully with your partner and/or family before applying.

Training costs are heavily subsidised by Lifeline so the cost to participants is kept to a minium.

To find out more about how you can become a Lifeline Volunteer, contact us at
Centre Phone (02) 6581 2800
Centre Fax (02) 6581 2461
Email midcoast@lifeline.org.au