In March, local volunteers took 734 call through Lifeline's 13 11 14 hotline, with more than 90,000 calls made to the service Australia wide.

Ms Cornish says that demand for Lifeline's services is unprecedented and has called on more volunteers to join the service.

"Our volunteers have done an amazing job at meeting the high demand we have experienced," Ms Cornish said.

"The effect of this pandemic is likely to go beyond the physical distancing measures and is already having significant impacts on people's finances and relationships."

To meet an expected increase in demand for Lifeline's services, Ms Cornish says volunteer recruitment is essential.

"Lifeline centres are generally fairly small services and our volunteers work with people in significant crisis," Mr Cornish said.

Volunteers don't require any work experience in counselling or mental health services with a 12-month training course provided.

"When we take on additional volunteers, we want them to acknowledge that there is a significant time commitment involved," Ms Cornish said.

Training is currently being tweaked so that it can be provided in an online capacity, while there are existing e-learning components to the 12-month program.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced a $59.4 million mental health package this week as demand spikes for services.

$6.7 million was provided to expand online and phone counselling services through BeyondBlue, Lifeline, Kids Helpline and Suicide Line Victoria.

Lifeline Australia received an additional $2 million in funding from the state government.

Ms Cornish said Lifeline volunteers who wish to embark on training should do so with the intention of supporting the central Victorian centre for a minimum of two years.

"There is significant investment made into training our volunteers, so it is important that we train people who can make a commitment to the service beyond this pandemic," she said.

Lifeline recently launched a national campaign targeted at assisting Australians dealing with the impact of coronavirus.

Good Friday produced a record number of single day calls, with 3197 calls received nationwide.

Ms Cornish says social isolation is a challenging time for everyone and people's experiences and reactions will be different.

"Lifeline services will continue to operate as normal throughout the coronavirus pandemic - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," she said.

Lifeline is encouraging people to use technology to keep in contact with their friends and family and release their emotions.

"Maintaining mental wellbeing is as important as physical health," Ms Cornish said.

"Australia's very recent history of drought and bushfire devastation leaves many vulnerable to negative mental health outcomes during this time."

If you are interested in becoming a Lifeline volunteer, call 5441 7055 or email admin@lifelinecvm.org.au

Lifeline encourages any person who is experiencing heightened anxiety, emotional distress or needs a confidential talk with someone who will listen without judgment to get in touch.

You can access Lifeline's services by calling 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days) or chat to a crisis supporter via text on 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight).