My first thoughts at signing up to volunteer with Lifeline were of apprehension and trepidation.

I knew that Lifeline was a crisis support service and I found it hard to imagine I would be able to help someone on the other end of the phone who was potentially calling as their last stop.

However, I am studying psychology and the university are advocates of the training and work done by telephone crisis supporters through Lifeline so I attended the information night. I didn’t stay after the formalities had finished and didn’t say much to anyone about it afterwards. It was for no other reason than my wanting to allow the information to sink in and then decide if it was something I could do.

After hearing from staff and volunteers at Bendigo’s centre I soon found myself realising it would be a privilege to help others.  The work they do in offering support completely free of bias or judgement is inspiring.

While for me there remains an element of nervousness, with each training session there comes a focus and better understanding as to how volunteers work through each call. There is also an incredible amount of support and comradery which is evident even after only a few training sessions.

Our training started with a weekend session of ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). It was an intensive experience. Part of the learning for me came from overcoming the fear of talking about suicide. It’s a prevalent part of life, yet there is a stigma attached to it. 

The trainer explained that often it is the actual saying of the words "are you thinking of suicide?"’ that is the hardest part. Yet it’s arguably the most important question to ask, and given the rate of suicide it seems that it’s a question that should be asked more often. 

The weekend included role-playing that I’ve come to realise is helpful in cementing new knowledge. It’s something done regularly during the training. And again, it was something I was anxious about. I had flashes of my poor attempts at a drama foundation course.  But, of course, no one here is a professional actor. We were all in the same situation and supportive of each other.

What was wonderful about the training was the dynamics of the group. People from all walks of life were coming together to do something for the community and they were all doing it for their own reasons.

When I first entertained the idea of becoming a Lifeline volunteer I can honestly say it was based on the need for experience in relation to my studying psychology at university. Now, I can just as honestly say I’m so glad I did sign up and was accepted into their training program for no other reason than to help people who need it.  

Lifeline plays a vital role in the community and it’s pleasing to be a part of that.

Interested in becoming a Lifeline volunteer?

To register interest in volunteering as a Telephone Crisis Supporter with Lifeline Central Victoria & Mallee call Leo Schultz on 5443 1330 or email llcv@bigpond.net.au