Volunteer
At Lifeline, our volunteers are the driving force behind everything we do. Volunteers play a vital role across all areas including crisis support, our Lifeline CONNECT service, retail and warehousing, community engagement, and fundraising.
Thanks to the passion, dedication, and commitment of our volunteers, Lifeline is able to raise essential funds and provide life-changing support to individuals in crisis within our communities.
We're thrilled to welcome you to our organisation. Volunteering is not only a powerful way to give back—it's also an opportunity for personal growth. It can enhance your mental and physical wellbeing, boost self-esteem, and help you develop new skills and meaningful connections.
Why Choose Lifeline as a Place to Volunteer?
- Being there for someone in their time of need
- Connection with the local community
- Giving back, self-worth and personal growth
- Friendship opportunities
- Supports their own mental health
Volunteering offers a meaningful way to connect with like-minded individuals while helping bring Lifeline's vision of an Australia free from suicide closer to reality.
Our volunteers are the backbone of Lifeline. They are a vital part of our local team, playing key roles in delivering support services, running our retail operations, and driving fundraising efforts.
Simply put, we couldn't continue providing our essential crisis support and suicide prevention services in the community without them.
In Retail
If you have a flair for fashion and a passion for unique treasures, volunteering at one of our five retail shops could be the perfect fit for you! Help us keep our shops looking fresh, curated, and creative through eye-catching product displays and inspiring window installations.
By keeping our shelves stocked with great finds and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, you'll help deliver a fantastic experience for every customer who walks through our doors.
“Having spent six months at home after retirement, I needed something to do to get out of the house and to interact with others. With years of retail experience, Lifeline seemed like the obvious choice. I love interacting with customers, using my skills and keeping the brain active. It’s nice knowing that funds raised in store go directly back into our community programs for those who need it. It’s just great fun and every shift feels like more of a social outing than work”
– Ruth, Shop Volunteer
Warehouse
Volunteering in our Mt Gambier warehouse offers the chance to be part of one of the most vital areas of our retail operations.
Warehouse roles include sorting donated goods, managing stock control, assisting with driving and rag cutting, and fulfilling orders for distribution across our network of shops.
It's a hands-on role that plays a key part in ensuring our shops stay well-stocked and ready to support our mission.
“After my husband passed, I was sitting at home and unsure of what to do. Receiving a phone call offering to come and volunteer at the warehouse, I thought why not? It gave me purpose and took my mind off things. I thoroughly enjoy working with the others at the warehouse, sorting through and packing the clothes knowing that the items sold go toward a good cause. After 20 years I keep coming back each week because it gets me out of the house, especially knowing that I am contributing to Lifeline’s mission in the South East”
-Di, Warehouse Volunteer
If volunteering in one of our retail shops or our warehouse is something that you would like to learn more about, please fill out our enquiry form in the Contact Us section of our website, or email reception@lifelinese.com.au
Lifeline 13 11 14 Volunteer Crisis Support Worker
Be the Voice That Makes a Difference
Life can be tough and sometimes all someone needs is a listening ear. At Lifeline, we're here for every crisis. Our trained crisis supporters provide 24/7 support, answering over a million calls from all across Australia each year. We offer connection, support and a safe space to talk.
Lifeline South East is looking for volunteers to help Australians doing it tough. With nationally recognised training, you'll gain valuable skills while making a real impact.
“After having my own experience of suicidal ideation, I searched online and found Lifeline and the volunteer crisis support training they offered. So, I applied. Being able to sit with someone in their pain and really hear their struggle, to helping them find their own inner strength, I know then, that I’ve made a difference for someone in that moment and potentially even changed the trajectory of their life. Through volunteering as a crisis supporter, I feel I can make a small contribution to this mission doing something I love to do. I feel very supported by all the team at Lifeline, it’s a good feeling to be around other people who share a passion for supporting Australians in crisis”
-Kia, Volunteer Crisis Supporter
What does a crisis supporter do?
Once accepted, you will complete training to become a qualified Crisis Supporter
Depending on your training, you will respond to people in need of support on the phone, via web chat or through Lifeline Text
You will listen to what's going on for the person who has contacted you
If needed, you will create safety plans for help seekers
What traits do I need to have?
- Good listener
- Empathetic
- Compassionate
- Committed to helping others
- Desire to make a positive difference
Who can become a crisis supporter?
Anyone is eligible to apply, provided the following criteria are met:
Must be 18 years or over
Must be willing to undertake a Criminal Record Check prior to acceptance into training
Must be an Australian resident
Must demonstrate the relevant attributes as outlined in the Crisis Supporter Position Description
Must be willing and able to meet all annual accreditation requirements, including regular shifts, logged in hours, professional development and supervision.
To become a telephone volunteer Crisis Supporter for Lifeline Crisis Support service - 13 11 14 - you'll need to undertake extensive training, make a commitment to shifts, and meet further selection criteria. This is to ensure you'll be confident, skilled, and able to provide support to Lifeline's callers in their time of emotional distress and crisis. This is a very rewarding volunteer opportunity.
Lifeline Adelaide is delivering the training on behalf of Lifeline Australia RTO 88036
Ready to help? Call 08 8202 5878 or click here to learn more about training with us.
More information about the Crisis Supporter Workplace Training (CSWT) can be found in the Lifeline Australia Pre-enrolment Course Information Booklet and the Lifeline Australia RTO Compliance Manual.