Can I Help?
VOLUNTEER FOR LIFELINE North West NSW
We can't do it without you. Together we can make a difference.
Last year Lifeline North West NSW made a difference to 4,000 callers from our community.
To keep our 24 hour 7 day per week service going we need the support of caring and committed volunteer telephone counsellors.
Currently we have another 14 people training to become telephone counsellors. Please phone today if you are interested in enrolling in our February 2008 Telephone Counselling Course on 02 6765 6172, to obtain an information package.
Could you be a Volunteer Telephone Counsellor for Lifeline?
We offer:
- A journey of self discovery and development
- A training course of 60 hours of theory and practice plus a supervised probationary period
- The opportunity to participate in a unique form of community service
- Ongoing supervision and support within a community of friendly, committed people.
We ask:
- A contribution of $200 toward the cost of the training program
- An ongoing commitment of 8 hours per month for a minimum of one year from the date of accreditation as a Telephone Counsellor
We asked our current counsellors what they liked best about volunteering for Lifeline. Here's the top five responses:
1. Job satisfaction, making a difference, helping people, filling a need
2. Belonging, the team, friendships, people at Lifeline
3. Caller interaction and appreciation
4. Relaxed, safe, caring environment
5. Improving skills and self development
For more information about our service or to express interest in applying to become a Lifeline Counsellor ring our friendly staff during business hours on 02 6765 6172.
Non-Counselling Volunteers are also welcome as Friends of Lifeline and may assist with administration, publicity, fundraising, gardening, catering and general support of the service. Ring 02 6765 6172 during business hours to discuss this further if you think you might be interested.
The Lifeline Shops in Manilla, Girraween Shopping Centre in Armidale, Hill Street and in Robert Street Tamworth are always on the lookout for new volunteers. Phone 02 6765 6114 for more information on how to become a Lifeline Shop Volunteer.
Interview with Katie* a Lifeline Volunteer Telephone Counsellor
* Katie is not the volunteer's real name. Lifeline volunteers are anonymous.
How long have you been a Lifeline Volunteer?
I joined in 1996, when our children had left home and at that stage of my life I was wondering what I might be able to do that was somehow worthwhile.
What made you choose to volunteer at Lifeline?
Well, I felt I wanted to give something back to the community. I felt that Lifeline Counselling might be something I could do and that I might be able to help other people who are in trouble. I don't have any qualifications or anything like that. I left school when I was 16, but I thought maybe I could listen to people. My family and friends always say they could talk to me about anything.
Well you've been a Lifeline Volunteer for over 11 years now. Do you still enjoy it?
I certainly enjoy it when I feel that I've helped someone through a crisis; I really feel like I may have helped to make a difference. But I get a lot of other things from being part of Lifeline. I really feel a part of a fantastic team and I have made some really good friends. Some of the people that I first trained with are still involved with Lifeline, and we have regular get-togethers. Last week we all went for a meal, and then went to the movies. It's a great feeling to be a part of something like that. I've also had the opportunity to do training and I feel I've come a long way, just in my own personal development.
Many people think that Lifeline is only about people ringing if they want to commit suicide. Is that how it is?
That's certainly one of the reasons people ring us. In fact though, it's only a small part of the calls we take. Most of our calls are about relationships, and some calls are from lonely people who just need someone to talk to.
Is there anything you don't enjoy about being a Lifeline volunteer?
Some of the calls are very sad, and those ones make me feel very sad for the caller, but we have an excellent support system. Someone is always available 24 hours a day to listen to us, if we are upset by a call.
Can you tell me about a call that made you very sad?
No, not really. We are bound by a strict code of confidentiality, so we can't talk about any of the calls that we take, not even to people we know well.
If someone wanted to become a part of Lifeline what should they do?
Well first I think they should call the Lifeline office on 02 6765 6172 and speak to the friendly staff. I would heartily recommend to anyone, who feels they have something to give, to join Lifeline as a volunteer. It's been an amazing journey for me.