Volunteer
Become a crisis supporter
Our volunteers generously give their time, energy and expertise to achieve our vision of an ‘Australia free of suicide’, so that no person has to face their darkest moments alone. Lifeline is truly grateful for the support of our volunteers.
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There are two different ways you can volunteer as a Crisis Supporter
Phone support
What does the role involve?
As a Lifeline crisis supporter, you'll:
- provide one-on-one support to help seekers via phone
- listen without judgment and respond with compassion and care
- use the CARE Framework to assess risk and support safety
- commit to regular shifts (typically 4 hours per fortnight)
- participate in reflective practice, supervision, and ongoing learning.
Training
All phone crisis supporters complete nationally accredited training, which includes:
- online self-paced learning
- face-to-face skills workshops
- supervised shifts
- ongoing support and development.
Time commitment : Approximately 180 hours across 12-14 months, including around 20-25 hours placement and 80 hours internship.
Yes, it's a commitment but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.
Requirements
To volunteer as a Crisis Supporter, you will need to:
- be over the age of 18
- live in Australia and have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency or hold a visa with no study limitations
- complete a National Police Check and any relevant background checks for working with children or vulnerable people in your home state/territory
- make a student contribution towards the cost of your Crisis Support Workplace Training (CSWT) course.
To find out more, please contact your local Lifeline Centre.
Accreditation
The Crisis Supporter Workforce Training (CSWT) course includes the nationally recognised training skill set known as the CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set.
This skill set consists of endorsed units of competency and is delivered by a local Lifeline Centre on behalf of Lifeline Australia, registered training organisation provider number 88036.
Upon successfully completing the CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set, you will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for the following 3 units of competency, awarded by Lifeline Australia:
- CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
- CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- CHCCCS028 Provide client-centred support to people in crisis
Location
Time investment
Digital support
What does the role involve?
Training
Requirements
Be over the age of 18
National Police Check and any relevant Police checks for working with children or vulnerable people in your home state/territory.
Accreditation
Free – no student contribution required.
Training is not nationally accredited.
Location
Time investment
Why volunteer with Lifeline?
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1
Make a real impact
You’ll help people in their darkest moments.
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2
Join a national movement
Be part of a community committed to offering support and reducing suicide across Australia.
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3
Build skills for life
Gain valuable training in crisis intervention, communication, and mental health support.
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4
Grow personally and professionally
Volunteers often say they come away with deeper empathy, stronger listening skills, and a better understanding of themselves.
It’s a privilege to be trusted with someone’s pain. I thought I’d be giving my time — but I gained confidence, connection, and purpose.
The skills you need to be a volunteer crisis supporter
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1
Good listening and communication skills
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2
Empathy, respect, compassion and commitment
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3
Self-awareness and willingness to accept feedback
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4
Computing skills (internet, email, data entry, navigation)
Today, nine Australians will lose their lives to suicide
You can help us change that. By becoming a crisis supporter you can offer hope to people in their darkest moments.
interactions per day
The number of calls, chat messages and texts to Lifeline from Australians in crisis, daily.
daily safety plans
The number of safety plans created each day by Lifeline phone crisis supporters during the first half of 2025
Volunteers
The number of Lifeline volunteers delivering life-saving support across Australia.
Frequently asked questions
As a crisis supporter, you'll have the opportunity to create a moment of connection that can make a lasting difference. Every interaction is a chance to offer empathy and support for someone navigating a tough time.
Lifeline’s one-off crisis support service means each interaction is focused on being fully present in the moment, providing immediate empathy and deep listening in someone’s time of need. While you may not know what happens next for the person you support, what you offer in that moment is powerful.
You’ll be part of a community that values connection, not just for those who use our service but for you as well. Lifeline provides comprehensive training, ongoing supervision, and regular debriefing to ensure you feel confident, supported, and never alone in the role.
Lifeline offers a non-clinical, human-to-human service for people in distress. As a crisis supporter, you’ll connect with people facing a wide range of challenges and challenging situations from relationship breakdowns, loneliness, and mental health concerns to thoughts of suicide, self-harm, substance use, family and domestic violence, or child safety issues.
You’ll provide a compassionate presence for people experiencing distress, crisis or overwhelming feelings. Our approach is trauma-informed and centred on the needs of the help seeker, creating a space where people feel heard, respected, and supported without judgment.
Some interactions will be difficult. Occasionally, crisis supporters may encounter unwelcome interactions from people misusing the service. These can be confronting, but you’ll never be expected to face them alone. Lifeline is committed to providing strong support systems, including regular debriefing, reflective practice, and supervision so you can feel supported, and connected in your role.
No. Full training is provided to ensure you can offer a high standard of support. What matters most is your ability to be present, listen deeply, and offer non-judgmental support.
Yes, all volunteer roles require a National Police Check conducted by Lifeline and where required, checks for working with children and vulnerable people for your home state/territory (such as the Working With Children Check). The associated fees for checks where required is at your own cost.
We find most people who volunteer with Lifeline as a crisis supporter find it very rewarding, knowing they are creating a connection with those that need it the most. Most of our volunteers contribute to the Lifeline community for many years after completing training. We ask our crisis supporters to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per fortnight.
Lifeline has 43 centres around Australia in regional, remote and metropolitan areas. You can contact your local Lifeline Centre to find out more about volunteering to be a crisis supporter.
That's completely normal. Our training is designed to build your confidence step by step — and you're never alone. Support is always available.
We're looking for people who are:
- empathetic and open-minded
- emotionally resilient and reflective
- good listeners
- committed to learning and growth
- available for training and ongoing shifts.
Get started
Ready to start making a difference?
About phone support
Learn more