Volunteers needed as Lifeline calls spike

LIFELINE Loddon Mallee region is currently searching for the next batch of crisis call volunteers to take up positions early this year.

With calls coming in at higher rates than ever before, the organisation is seeking support for their crisis call centres with recruiting for the first cohort of the year happening now.

Lisa Renalto, the executive officer of Lifeline Loddon Mallee, said that as many people as possible who are willing to learn are needed.

“We are always looking for more volunteer’s and at the moment the demand for our services has never been higher and volunteers have never been needed more,” she said.

“We need more people who are willing to undertake what is a fairly substantial training program to become a lifeline crisis supporter.”

The training is nationally recognised and aims to have the volunteer ready to respond to any of the various reasons calls come through to Lifeline.

“The calls can be anywhere from helping people who might be experiencing anxiety, depression or loneliness, they might be suffering from bi-polar disorder or perhaps imminent suicide intervention is needed,” Ms Renalto said.

“Volunteers are trained to provide a safe space for people to talk, to suspend judgment and to provide space and perspective.”

Ms Renalto said there’s a lot to be gained from becoming a Lifeline volunteer apart from just the positive feeling from helping others.

“Our volunteers often say things like, ‘I never realised how much my communication skills would be improved by the training, or my kids are saying I am better at listening to them’,” she said.

“This is in addition to the social connection and professional development opportunities available, there are a lot of benefits to becoming a lifeline crisis supporter.”

If you want to help those in need by becoming a Lifeline crisis supporter in the Bendigo area, you can head to lifelinelm.org.au/volunteer for more information or to sign on.

“The success of lifeline, not only in the Loddon Mallee region, but nationally, is only possible because of the hard work of volunteers,” Ms Renalto said.