Lifeline Volunteer Telephone Counselling

Every day across Australia, Lifeline is recruiting and training Volunteer Telephone Counsellors. Lifeline has over 3,500 Volunteer Telephone Counsellors who provide care and emotional support via the 24-hour telephone counselling line - 13 11 14. These volunteers are everyday people giving their time to help Australians when they need it most.

Who is Lifeline looking for?

People from all walks of life who are over 18 years old and are prepared to:

• Undertake training
• Fulfil shifts on a regular basis (usually fortnightly)
• Work within the vision and values of Lifeline
• Make a commitment to volunteer with Lifeline after completing initial training

People who can pass a comprehensive selection process and show:

• Good communication skills
• Good listening skills
• A non-judgemental attitude

What’s in it for you?

• Practical counselling skills including Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
• Personal and professional growth and development
• Improved communication and relationship skills
• Enhanced self awareness
• Potential career opportunities
• Giving back to your community
• Increased ability to support family, friends and work colleagues
• Belonging to the Lifeline community
• Ongoing support in your work with Lifeline Australia
• Accreditation as a Telephone Counsellor upon completion of all training requirements

“The training has taught me things that are really useful, both on the phones at Lifeline and also in my personal life. I’ve become much more aware of how to listen well to the people I love.”

What does training involve?

The course includes:

• A minimum of 67 hours of training, including face to face and e-learning modules (usually once a week over a period of 16-20 weeks)
• Supervised and assessed practical telephone counselling sessions (minimum of 16 hours)
• Possible weekend training

On completion of training you may be invited to become a Lifeline accredited volunteer telephone counsellor.

To maintain accreditation, you will be required to meet a minimum number of telephone counselling hours annually and participate in annual ongoing supervision and training to maintain your knowledge and skills.

* Please note: There may be a nominal cost for training. Full details are available from your Lifeline Centre.

Additional opportunities

In addition to your initial training, you may choose to complete a Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills. Recognised nationally under the Australian Training and Qualifications Framework (ATQF), the Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills may lead to further opportunities in the future for:

• employment
• further studies at the tertiary level, and;
• personal and professional development

If you are interested in volunteering for Lifeline or require more information please call
1800 880 681 or contact us via this form