Be there for someone when it matters most
At Lifeline WA, our Crisis Supporters are at the heart of everything we do. Without our incredible volunteers, our crisis support services simply wouldn’t be possible. Every day, they answer calls for help from Australians in crisis. They offer hope, connection, and support – one conversation at a time. Our volunteers’ compassion and commitment help us work toward our vision of a community free from suicide.
If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact, give back to your community and grow in a deeply rewarding way, becoming a Telephone Crisis Supporter could be the path for you. As you support others, you’ll also embark on a journey of personal growth, building strong social connections and gaining a powerful sense of purpose and achievement. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly worthwhile.
Volunteer With Lifeline WA
Your time can save lives
Volunteers are at the heart of Lifeline WA, helping us provide vital services and work towards a community free from suicide. Hear from our amazing Crisis Supporters as they share their personal journey and what volunteering means to them.
Meet John
Lifeline WA Crisis Supporter
Meet Olivia
Lifeline WA Crisis Supporter
Meet Brett
Lifeline WA Crisis Supporter
What the journey looks like
From expression of interest to accredited Crisis Supporter
Submit an expression of interest
Complete our online form to let us know you’re interested in volunteering. We’ll then be in touch with the next steps.
Attend an information event
Join one of our information events to learn more about the role, the training process, and what volunteering involves.
Interview with us
Training a Crisis Supporter costs Lifeline WA $4,000, so it’s important we’re aligned on the impact of volunteering. If a phone-based role isn’t the right fit, we’ll suggest alternative opportunities to suit you.
Complete your training
Gain the skills, tools, and knowledge you need to support people in crisis. You’ll complete the nationally recognised CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set, a formal qualification designed to build your confidence and expertise.
Undertake placement & internship
Start supervised shifts at our Subiaco call centre, receiving regular feedback and coaching. After completing your internship, you’ll take part in a final assessment and review with our team.
Become an accredited Crisis Supporter
As an accredited volunteer, you’ll take calls from help seekers, participate in ongoing supervision, and access professional development. Shifts are carefully scheduled to meet demand, so it’s important that you’re reliable.
What you’ll need
- A strong sense of empathy, compassion and commitment
- Commitment to complete the full training process
- Ability to travel to and from our Subiaco call centre
- Around four hours per fortnight to volunteer
- To be comfortable with technology
- A National Police Check and Working with Children Check
- A student contribution towards training costs
Becoming a Crisis Supporter requires time and commitment, but our volunteers say it’s incredibly rewarding and that they gain even more from the experience than they give. If you’re interested in volunteering with us, submit an expression of interest below.
Why volunteer with us?
There are many reasons why people choose to become a Crisis Supporter. Each with their own unique story and motivations. Hear from some of our volunteers as they share their Lifeline journey.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Telephone Crisis Supporter do?
Telephone Crisis Supporters answer calls to Lifeline’s 13 11 14 service, providing short-term, one-off support to people in emotional distress. You’ll help people feel heard and safe, without judgement, at one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.
We don’t provide long-term counselling, and you won’t always know the outcome of a call, but your presence can be life changing. That’s why we offer debriefing and professional supervision for all our volunteers.
What kinds of issues do help seekers face?
You may hear from people experiencing:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Loneliness or isolation
- Relationship or family challenges
- Domestic or family violence
- Substance use issues
- Self-harm or trauma
You’ll support people experiencing a wide range of emotions, helping them feel heard, understood, and less alone.
Do I need any qualifications?
No prior qualifications are needed. We provide comprehensive training that ensures you’re prepared to offer safe, effective support. We’re looking for people who are empathetic, resilient, open-minded, and great listeners.
How long do I have to volunteer for?
We generally ask for a minimum of 12 hours per month (usually 3 x 4-hour shifts), however, this can be discussed with our Crisis Supporter team who will support you throughout your volunteering journey. Many of our volunteers stay on for years due to the strong community and deep sense of purpose this volunteering role brings.
How much does it cost to train?
Training is heavily subsidised thanks to the support of government, philanthropic partners and our community. To complete your CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set — a nationally recognised qualification — you’ll be required to contribute $400 towards the overall training cost.
You’ll also need to obtain a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check. The Working with Children Check is $11 at the volunteer rate, and we cover the full cost of the Police Check, so there’s no expense to you.
What happens after I register my interest?
Once we receive your expression of interest, we’ll be in touch about upcoming information events. There’s always a range of dates available, so just pick an event that suits you.
Where can I find more information on the CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set?
A Lifeline Training Course is the first step on the Crisis Supporter Worker Training Pathway. Over the course of 12 months, you will be supported through your initial training, your student placement and internship to become a fully accredited Lifeline Crisis Supporter, attaining the qualification CHCSS00113 Crisis Support Skill Set. You can learn more about the qualification here.
When does training take place?
Lifeline WA runs a variety of full-time and part-time training sessions throughout the year. You can download our course calendar below to see upcoming dates.
Ready to make a difference?
Volunteering as a Telephone Crisis Supporter is more than just answering a call, it’s showing up for someone when they need it most. If you’re ready to be part of something truly meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.
How you can help
Volunteer
Your time can help us save lives. Explore volunteering opportunities with Lifeline WA.
Fundraise
Create your own fundraising page or download our fundraising kit.
Partnerships
We rely on the generosity of our philanthropic and corporate partners to sustain our life-saving work.
Donate today
Support our 24/7 crisis services to allow us to be there for West Australians in need.