Lifeline WA offers 24/7 Text and Online Chat Services to the Australian community, and we can’t do it without the generosity of our dedicated volunteers.
Being a Digital Crisis Supporter may be right for you if you like the flexibility of working from home, are comfortable with technology, are able to express yourself confidently in the written word and are self-motivated.
Register your interest: Digital Crisis Supporter Volunteering - Expression of Interest (office.com)
In one of our Q&A sessions, you will find out more about Lifeline, the Digital Crisis Support service, the role and journey of a Digital Crisis Supporter, and the Lifeline WA application process. You will meet and hear from an experienced Digital Crisis Supporter, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have in the Q&A segment. After attending (or viewing), the application link will be made available to you.
To register for the Q&A session or to receive the recording
- Train
Once accepted, you will complete training to become a qualified Crisis Supporter, and then undertake ongoing training and development to maintain and keep your skills up.
- Respond
You will respond to people in need of support via Lifeline digital crisis support service – text and webchat.
- Listen
You will listen to what’s going on for the Help Seeker who has contacted you, hear their situation and feelings and sit with their distress.
- Empower
You will support the Help Seeker to identify their strengths and next steps, and encourage them to generate and own the action. If needed, you will create a safety plan with them.
What is involved in becoming a volunteer Digital Crisis Supporter?
Becoming a volunteer Digital Crisis Supporter requires around 30-35 hours of initial training over an 8-week period. This is all self-paced, online learning and will be done from the comfort of your own home. You will also need to complete 10-15 hours of student placement over a maximum 4-week period.
Once you have completed your training and placement, we ask for a commitment of 12 hours per month. We find most people who volunteer with Lifeline WA as a volunteer Digital Crisis Supporter find it very rewarding, knowing they are contributing to supporting people during difficult times and saving lives. Most of our volunteers contribute to the Lifeline community for years after completing training.
The training program is self paced online learning, with support and mentoring provided. To gain experience in crisis support, on the job shifts with your supervisor are provided along with ongoing professional development.
To find our more, please email digitalvolunteering@lifelinewa.org.au
Upcoming Training
If you would like to be considered for a volunteer Digital Crisis Supporter role, or want to learn more about upcoming training, register your interest below to be invited to our Q&A session.