Volunteer
Volunteer to be a Crisis Supporter
Our volunteers give their time, energy and expertise generously to achieve our Vision of an ‘Australia free of suicide’, so that no person has to face their darkest moments alone. Lifeline South Coast is truly grateful for the support of our volunteers.
Crisis Supporter Workplace Training (CSWT)
Our Telephone Crisis Supporter Workplace Training (CSWT) is a Nationally Recognised Training program delivered on behalf of Lifeline Australia (RTO 88036). We now have completed our 2023 training courses available. Training 2024 will be released soon. A compulsory information night for each course will be held in Wollongong. You must attend the information night to be eligible to apply.
You do not need any specific qualifications to volunteer as a Crisis Supporter. The comprehensive training provided to our volunteers will ensure you are qualified to offer a high standard of crisis support that keeps people safe. We are looking for volunteers who are good listeners, empathetic, compassionate and committed to supporting others. Please see further details about how to register in the orange box below.
How training works
Crisis Supporters commit to volunteering four hours per fortnight at their local Centre in Wollongong or Nowra. You’ll also complete a training period to give you all the expertise you will need to navigate crisis intervention successfully and empathetically.
Stage 1: Training
Stage 2: Placement
Stage 3: Internship
Stage 4: Accredited Crisis Supporter
Upcoming Information Nights
2024 Intakes
Intake 1: Starting January 2024 – Wollongong
An information session for this course will be held via zoom on 16 Nov at 6PM. Read the course outline.
Intake 2: Starting May 2024 – Wollongong
An information session for this course will be held via zoom on 14 March at 6PM. Read the course outline.
Intake 3: Starting September 2024 – Wollongong
An information session for this course will be held via zoom on 4 July at 6PM. Read the course outline.
Important Documents
Must read
Please read the following documents before attending one of our training information sessions.
- Student Volunteer Crisis Supporter Position Description
- CSWT Pre Enrolment Information Booklet
- RTO Compliance Manual
If you have any further questions, please email our training team on cswt@llsc.org.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lifeline South Coast delivers the accredited training for CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set on behalf of Lifeline Australia RTO 88036
Does it matter which information session I attend?
No, you may attend any of the information sessions within a year, as long as it is prior to the session you are applying for.
Do I have to attend all the training days?
Yes, all training sessions are mandatory to complete the course.
Is there any take home work?
Yes, there is an online component that needs to be completed PRIOR to the lesson each week. You cannot attend the lesson without completing the online component.
Will I get a qualification at the end of my training?
After 12 months on the phones (provided you have fulfilled all your requirements and have been assessed as competent) you will receive:
3 Units of Competency
- CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
- CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- CHCCCS028 Provide client-centred support to people in crisis
What is the application process?
- Individual information sessions will be held prior to each training course. Only applicants who attend one of the information session will be considered.
- Information regarding the application, intake and interview process will be made available at the information sessions.
How much does the Lifeline South Coast training course cost?
- Standard $500
- Concession $300 (available to those who work less than 16 hours per week)
- Course fees need to be paid in full within two (2) weeks of commencing the course.
It costs up to $10,000 to train a new crisis support volunteer to become fully accredited. Through the contributions of our funders combined with our own fundraising efforts we are able to cover most of this cost. We ask students to contribute $500 ($300 for concession) to this cost. We also do not want cost to be a barrier to people joining our volunteer team – please contact us to discuss options for payment plans, scholarships and other assistance.
The skills acquired during Lifeline South Coast’s training extend far beyond the realm of volunteering. Our Crisis Support volunteers often report personal growth, increased empathy, and improved communication skills, which can benefit them in various aspects of their lives. Lifeline’s training provides individuals with the ability to navigate difficult conversations, provide support to loved ones in distress, and contribute to creating a more empathetic and understanding society.
What is my ongoing commitment to Lifeline South Coast?
- A two (2) year commitment of one (1) weekly 4-hour shift in peak demand times for 40 weeks of the year.
- Annual accreditation requirements:
- 148 hours on the phones providing crisis support during peak demand times.
- Peak demand times are:
- Monday to Friday – 4 hours shifts at 6.00am or 6.00pm
- Saturday and Sunday – 4 hour shifts at 6.00am, 10.00am, 2.00pm, 6.00pm
- Participating in regular group and individual supervision
- Completing a minimum of 8 hours Professional Development each year (4 hours of this can be online).
Can I take time off in my first year of volunteering?
Yes, in your first year as a student you can have up to six (6) weeks of consecutive leave. You cannot take any more than this as it will affect your development and training (*please note this is currently under review).
Thank you to BlueScope WIN Community Partners
Lifeline South Coast’s Volunteer Crisis Support Training Course is proudly sponsored by BlueScope WIN Community Partners.
