Lifeline Hunter is using National Volunteer Week (NVW) to not only thank its selfless helpers but to entice more recruits to join the fold.
The plea comes as the demand for assistance continues to increase throughout the region, with individuals and families battling to deal with the escalating cost-of-living pressures.
“We urgently need more people to help us,” Lifeline Hunter CEO Rob Sams admitted.
“Particularly 13 11 14 crisis supporters, where we are struggling to answer every call amid a rising number of calls.”
Mr Sams added the annual NVW campaign, from 15 to 21 May, was an ideal time to shine a light on the critical role volunteers played in giving hope and connection to those in trouble.
“They are central to the way Lifeline offers its 13 11 14 crisis support, mental health counselling and other suicide prevention and suicide bereavement support services,” he said.
“Lifeline Hunter has about 150 volunteers on the phones, supporting its 11 op-shops and helping at fundraising and community events.
“But, we’re always keen to welcome newcomers.”
One of those generous volunteers is 13 11 14 crisis supporter Sarah Crozier.
The Hamilton East resident mans a phone four hours a week.
She started volunteering with Lifeline in October 2021 because she wanted to be there for people needing support in her community.
“Being a crisis supporter gives me insight into the many different experiences of people who make up our community,” Ms Crozier said.
“It is a privilege to hear those stories.
“Appreciating and respecting difference and people’s individual experiences is important.
“Volunteering with Lifeline provides evidence-based crisis support and counselling skills.
“The training and support from Lifeline are excellent.
“It is a great framework built up over decades to support both callers and volunteer crisis supporters.”
Mr Sams said the theme of National Volunteer Week was “The Change Makers”.
“Volunteers like Sarah are certainly that,” he stated.
“They’re helping to change lives and have someone there for people in the darkest moments.
“However, other charities and community and sporting clubs are facing issues due to declining numbers exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Understandably, we lost some volunteers during lockdowns.
“Many people have other commitments, too.
“If people are able to volunteer, even for a few hours, we’d love to hear from them.
“It is a great way to give back and meet new people.
“We are very flexible in fitting volunteering around their other work and family obligations.
“Volunteering to become a crisis supporter does involve a time commitment and up to 170 hours of training.
“A shop assistant makes a big difference because their support means more of our store proceeds can go to funding local services.”
People wishing to find out more about volunteering with Lifeline should phone 1300 152 854 or visit hunter.lifeline.org.au/get-involved
Nine Australians die every day by suicide and more than 65,000 make an attempt on their life each year.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 44.
As a result, and with the current economic woes, calls to Lifeline are up 25% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lifeline support
- 24-hour crisis support: Ph 13 11 14. Text: 0477 13 11 14. Chat online: www.lifeline.org.au
- Lifeline free counselling appointment bookings: 1300 152 854
- www.lifelinehunter.org.au
For more community stories:
- Belmont High students give Roosters the ‘boot’
- WWYW set to stage inaugural Stand Still Protest
- Bigger, better Lifeline shop open for longer in Toronto
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