Lifeline Volunteer Telephone Counselling

Every day, all around Australia, Lifeline is recruiting and training Volunteer Telephone Counsellors. Lifeline has over 4,500 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 other everyday Australians, when they need it most. Volunteering for a difference

What's in it for you?

• Practical counselling skills
• 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
• Accreditation as a Telephone Counsellor upon completion of all training requirements

What does training involve?

There is a nominal cost for training. The course may include:

• Approximately 80 hours of face-to-face training (usually once a week over a period of 16-20 weeks)
• Supervised practical telephone counselling sessions (approx 30 hours)
• Possible weekend training

Once you are accredited you must participate in annual ongoing training to maintain your skills.

I found the training to be such a fantastic learning curve - I learned so much, about myself and others and all in a supportive caring environment.

Who is Lifeline looking for?

People from all walks of life who are prepared to:

• Undertake training
• Fulfill shifts on a regular basis (usually fortnightly)
• Work within the vision and values of Lifeline
• Make a two year commitment to volunteer with Lifeline.

People who can pass a comprehensive selection process and show:

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

Do you want a national qualification?

Lifeline is an RTO (Registered Training Organisation), this means you can also complete a Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills. The benefits include:

• Nationally accredited qualification recognised throughout Australia
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for other nationally recognised qualifications
• Membership of professional organisation
• Pathways to selected university qualifications.

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

If you are interested in becoming a Lifeline Volunteer Telephone Counsellor or would like to know more, please call 1800 880 681 or email us at volunteer@lifeline.org.au