Graham Mabury, Crisis Support Volunteer of the Year Award – Tina Baldwin

Tina Baldwin took her first call as a crisis supporter 41 years ago. She and her husband Daniel were the first ever crisis supporters in WA, talking with people who called Graham Mabury’s Nightline program for help. More than four decades later, she’s determined to keep going.

As a crisis supporter, Tina speaks to help seekers experiencing a wide range of crises, including loneliness, mental health challenges, substance abuse, gambling addictions, domestic violence, family and parenting issues, relationship difficulties, workplace struggles, financial hardships.

Having taken over 33,000 calls over the past 41 years, she says she’s noted an increase in men and young people seeking help.

“That’s why I’m so passionate about the service,” she says. “There is always someone out there who cares, and who’s willing to listen.”

While Tina has given a lot to Lifeline WA, she’s quick to credit the team who support the volunteer crisis supporters.

“Our professional development is so good. We listen to different programs, we watch video clips, and we get information on how to handle calls,” she says.

“I’m really grateful to our supervisors – they’re all just amazing people and very approachable. Without them being there, without us knowing we can approach them, we can’t do our job well.”

Tina’s deep experience as a crisis supporter, and her empathy and openness, provides her with the insight and experience to mentor the next generation of crisis supporters.

Tina believes that she gets as much from volunteering with Lifeline WA as she gives, saying “volunteering has given me strength at my work” – which is a full-time role at Ronald McDonald House, where she uses the listening skills developed as a crisis supporter to support families who are going through a difficult time.

“When Daniel died, I made a promise to him I would continue on the fantastic work that Graham started, and Lifeline WA continues to deliver… That’s just the kind of person I want to be,” she says.