10,000 Crisis Supporters volunteer over past five years
With more than 10,000 Telephone Crisis Supporters giving their time over the past five years, Lifeline is celebrating this National Volunteer Week by acknowledging the exceptional work of its volunteers – past and present – based in communities across Australia.
National Volunteer Week (8-14 May) is an annual campaign from Volunteering Australia to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s six million volunteers.
Danielle Hanisch, Manager of Lifeline Adelaide, said that the week was an important time for the service to thank its local volunteers and send a message of hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.
“We have 200 highly-skilled volunteer Crisis Supporters in Adelaide who spend many days, nights and weekends answering our 13 11 14 crisis line, helping others through their darkest moments,” Ms Hanisch said.
“Our volunteers are compassionate and non-judgmental people, and never expect any fanfare for the important work they do. They are truly making a difference in our community.”
“We have 200 highly-skilled volunteer Crisis Supporters in Adelaide who spend many days, nights and weekends answering our 13 11 14 crisis line, helping others through their darkest moments”
Lifeline Adelaide is a service of leading South Australian non-profit, Uniting Communities. Chief Executive, Simon Schrapel, said that, with more than 34,000 calls answered last year, the service’s Crisis Supporters know better than most the extent of Australia’s national suicide emergency.
“Thankfully, among the many heart-wrenching stories we hear, there are also plenty of stories of hope, strength and resilience. With every phone call, our volunteers are doing their best to support people experiencing crisis and save lives,” says Mr Schrapel.
“And while it’s not an easy job, we know our volunteers – beyond their service with Lifeline – take these critical skills into other areas of their lives, supporting their workmates, families and friendship groups.”
Other key Lifeline volunteer facts and numbers include:
One Telephone Crisis Supporter (TCS) has answered more than 10,000 calls over the past five years
About 50 TCSs have done a shift every month for the past five years
Lifeline’s Crisis Supporters come from all backgrounds and professions, including lawyers, journalists, teachers and even TV personalities
For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
