Documentary looks behind the phones at Lifeline

A NEW documentary is highlighting the work of the people picking up the phones or responding to messages at Lifeline, and a trio of Geelong residents is among them.

Always Listening is a 30-minute documentary that gives a voice to just a few of those who have answered some of the 23 million calls for help, as well as hearing stories from those who have used the service over Lifeline’s 60 years.

North Geelong resident Trina Zinn originally wanted to volunteer with Lifeline in 2018 but there were no spots available at the time.

She was eventually accepted into the program a couple of years later, and after two and a half weeks of full-time training, gained her full certification to become a crisis supporter.

Since starting in the role in December 2020, she has taken just over 6,000 calls.

“It’s really about being there for others in need, to be able to be someone to listen, to reflect on what’s being said in a time of need,” she said.

“It’s about community connection: really being able to connect with someone, to allow them the space to feel safe, to feel like they’re being heard.”

Ms Zinn said she loved being a crisis supporter.

“I see it as not only a duty to look out for others, but also important as someone who’s had lived experience with a friend of mine who’s suicided.

“It really affected me, especially around the conversations you have with people, and checking in; the importance of that.”

She said the word “crisis” had a different meaning to different people.

“It could be relationships, it could be financial, it could be bullying, it could be any number of things.”

Award-winning filmmaker Genevieve Bailey (I Am Eleven, Happy Sad Man) was given rare access to Lifeline’s network of volunteers and staff to make Always Listening.

“I’ve wondered if listening is rapidly becoming a lost art. There are studies that show we’ve never been more lonely,” she said.

“While film and TV usually spotlight the talkers, I wanted to turn my camera on the listeners, those people who dedicate their lives to supporting Australians who reach out to Lifeline.

“Before I started to make this documentary, I had no idea what these people looked like, now I can say they look like any and all of us.

“But what makes them exceptional and inspired me to make Always Listening is their capacity and commitment to positively impact so many lives.”

Ms Zinn said she hoped viewers of the documentary would take it in a positive light.

“It might even encourage the community to volunteer themselves.

“We are all in this together, and anyone can go through the training and become a crisis supporter themselves.”

Always Listening premieres on SBS today (Monday, October 28) at 2pm and can also be watched online at sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/always-listening/2378405955624 after that time.

Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support at any time of day or night. Phone 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at lifeline.org.au