Not Your Average Phone Call
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For more than 45 years, Lifeline has been supporting members of the Canberra community.
Its 24/7 crisis line assists individuals in Canberra and the surrounding regions in the best way possible: by providing judgement free support and information that saves lives.
Not your average superheroes, Lifeline volunteers dedicate their time to listen with care and acceptance to people suffering from or experiencing thoughts of suicide, mental health issues, loneliness, relationship struggles or bereavement. Regardless of the circumstance, Lifeline is there to help.
“It is a fairly demanding role, however, is highly rewarding in that you can help support those in the community to work through their crisis,” explains Sarah, a volunteer with Lifeline Canberra.
“Sadly, we don’t get to every call as in periods of high demand such as late at night we are finding that callers hang up before we have the chance to reach them. We want to change that.”
Sarah went to university to study psychology and found out about Lifeline through friends and others.
She says she was “blown away by the information session. Just the professionalism of the team is amazing and the type of training we receive of course is designed for becoming a crisis supporter but the skills that I have learnt have helped me be a better friend, a better partner, a better sister…you are really walking away with life skills.”
“I felt like I was at a point in my life where I could give back to the community. I heard a lot about Lifeline through friends and family and knew the sort of service they offered. For me, it was about the diversity of people and how we can reach any Australian in any crisis that needs the support.”
Dissimilar to other not-for-profit organisations, Lifeline is available to all, at any hour.
“We are the service that people can reach when every other service is closed,” says Sarah. “The most rewarding aspect is having the privilege to hear other people’s stories. It takes a lot of bravery to pick up the phone and talk to a complete stranger.”
Sarah says that while volunteering with Lifeline can be challenging, the rewards far outweigh any sacrifice.
“I think volunteering is so rewarding as you are there for someone when they may feel like they have no one else to speak to. Being a member of the community of volunteers is also great as they provide a lot of guidance and we are like one big family.”
“The best thing to do is put your hand up and ask for help. It can be really challenging to be vulnerable and open yourself up during a difficult time. Even if it is just one person, one friend, one family member or one colleague, that you reach out to and ask for help it can make a difference. That’s what is so great about Lifeline: we can be that person.”
If you think you could also be that person, Lifeline is running an information session for those interested in becoming a volunteer or wanting to learn a bit more about Lifeline on Wednesday 25 July from 6 – 7 pm.
“[We’re] running this information session for any Canberran of any age, any background, any gender, that may be interested in joining Lifeline and giving back to the community,” explains Mandy. “Nobody needs to come with any particular skill set but we do ask that people come with heart and commitment to supporting and assisting others in the community as that is the one thing we can not teach.”
the essentials
What: Lifeline Telephone Crisis Support Volunteer information session
When: Wednesday 25 July from 6 – 7 pm
Where: Lifeline Canberra, Level 1, 71 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City
More information: act.lifeline.org.au/Volunteer/telephone-crisis-support
If you or anyone else you know needs assistance, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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