What is a Crisis Supporter

Lifeline Loddon Mallee is part of Australia’s leading suicide prevention service. Volunteers Crisis Supporters in our Bendigo and Mildura Call Centres answer calls from more than 20,000 help seekers each year, providing non‑judgemental, confidential crisis support.  

You can be the answer and help us continue this commitment to the community. 

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Female crisis supporter sitting at work station

About the role

People in our community face distress, loneliness, mental health challenges, relationship stress, financial pressure and suicidal thoughts. Crisis Supporters provide vital listening and support during these moments.  

Being an Accredited Telephone Crisis Supporter means you can make a difference. By offering your time and experience, you have the power to have a positive impact on the lives of people who might be struggling.  

Crisis Supporters offer confidential, non‑judgemental assistance using Lifeline’s CARE Framework to assess risk and support safety. 

Find out how to volunteer

What the Role Involves

What does the role involve?

  • Providing one‑on‑one support to people in crisis via phone. 
  • Listening with empathy and without judgement. 
  • Supporting safety using the CARE Framework. 
  • Committing to regular shifts (usually 3 hours per week). 
  • Participating in reflective practice and ongoing learning. 

Training & Accreditation

What does the role involve?

  • Complete the Crisis Supporter Workplace Training (CSWT), including the CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set. 
  • Approximately 170–180 hours over 12 months (online learning, workshops, supervised practice, internship). 

Training is delivered locally by Lifeline Loddon Mallee (on behalf of Lifeline Australia RTO 88036). 

Why volunteer with Lifeline?

  • 1

    Make a real impact

    You’ll help people in their darkest moments.

  • 2

    Join a national movement

    Be part of a community committed to offering support and reducing suicide across Australia.

  • 3

    Build skills for life

    Gain valuable training in crisis intervention, communication, and mental health support.

  • 4

    Grow personally and professionally

    Volunteers often say they come away with deeper empathy, stronger listening skills, and a better understanding of themselves.

Lifeline crisis supporters sitting in gorup with back to camera

MEET JOHN 

John gives almost 40 hours of his time every month to talk to help seekers who call our centre. John is a retiree, who began volunteering over 20 years ago. During COVID John saw the increase in calls we were receiving and put his hand up to take on more shifts. 

He listens openly and without judgement of the callers or their situation. John's training taught him how to develop both safety and mental health plans with help seekers, so they are in control of their choices, and the same training provides him the skills to support help seekers who need imminent suicide intervention. 

We need more John's. We know that more John's means we can answer more call and save more lives. 

The skills you need to be a volunteer crisis supporter

  • 1

    Good listening and communication skills

  • 2

    Empathy, respect, compassion and commitment

  • 3

    Self-awareness and willingness to accept feedback

  • 4

    Computing skills (internet, email, data entry, navigation)

Lifeline Loddon Mallee provides connections and support

Supporting the communities of Victoria's Loddon Mallee region

22,000

Calls answered

The number of calls to Lifeline Loddon Mallee answered last financial year.

12

Critical incidents

The number of on the ground responses where we have stood with community in the last year.

86

Volunteers

The number of volunteers who currently support Lifeline Loddon Mallee

58,959

Square kilometres

The size of the Loddon Mallee region - includes 10 local government areas from Macedon Ranges to Mildura.

Help starts here

Support looks different for everyone. Use the drop down bar to find what feels right for you.