Digital Crisis Support volunteers
We offer National 24/7 Text and Online Chat Services to the Australian community, and we can’t do it without the generosity of people like you.
'I get great satisfaction knowing I can make a difference to
someone's life every time I am on shift'
Take the first step
Read more about volunteering as a Digital Crisis Supporter below, watch the pre-recorded information session and come along to a Q&A!
What's next
Click here to apply to become a Digital Crisis Supporter
Applications open for March and April 2025 cohorts
What is Digital Crisis Support?
Digital Crisis Supporter Volunteers provide one-off crisis support to people via online Chat and Text (SMS) who could benefit from immediate and short-term assistance to cope with crisis or distress.
Why Digital?
Text-based communication is ever increasing as more and more people prefer text based communication over verbal telephone calls.
Training
- 40-50 hours of online training (e-learning) and placement over a 12-week period
- Training is free of charge. This is a non-accredited course.
Requirements
- Must be NSW Resident (If not a NSW resident please go to Lifeline Australia Volunteer as a Crisis Supporter)
- Be over the age of 18
- Current Police Check (Lifeline H2HS will organise if required)
- Working with Children Check
- Temporary or Permanent Residency Status
- Good computer skills and reliable internet connection
Location
- Work remotely from home or our head office (hybrid if desired)
Commitment to Service
- Minimum 4 hrs per fortnight with 6 weeks off (av 92 hours per annum)
- Being a Digital Crisis Supporter may be right for you if you like the flexibility of working from home, are comfortable with technology, are able to express yourself confidently in the written word and are self-motivated.
How training works
You will complete a training program (elearning) and placement experience to give you all the expertise you need to navigate crisis support successfully and empathetically.
Crisis supporters commit to volunteering an average of two 4-hour shifts a month.
Stage 1: 30-35hrs/8 weeks
Training Program
The first step is to get you trained up! Enjoy self-paced online learning over an 8-week period with a new training group starting regularly.
Stage 2: 10-15hrs/4 weeks
Placement
To get confident with providing crisis support, you’ll do on-the-job supported shifts which enable your supervisor to provide you with feedback and support.
Stage 3: 52hrs/year
Crisis Supporter
As a trained Crisis Supporter, you’ll be engaging in providing crisis support, receiving feedback, and taking part in professional development activities.