General News
12 November, 2024
Call for Lifeline volunteers
Lifeline Loddon Mallee is calling on residents to provide essential mental health assistance by volunteering as a crisis supporter.
New volunteers will join over 70 current crisis supporters who answered 18,000 calls to the organisation’s 24/7 crisis support helpline last year and assist people going through difficult times.
Among the current cohort is Eileen Rebel, who said personal experiences motivated her to pursue the role.
“I was talking with my therapist about wanting to give something back to the community and she suggested Lifeline because they have some excellent training,” she said.
“I have a partner who was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was having a lot of thoughts about suicide and things like that.
“I’m a queer person and a lot of people in my community have died [because of] suicide, so I just wanted to connect with people and offer some support.”
Training commences with weekly training modules, followed by shift observations with a qualified trainer.
While on the verge of completing her training internship, Ms Rebel said Lifeline’s training not only gave her the capacity to help people but benefitted her everyday life.
“You always feel supported in your role, you never feel alone to deal with something and you’re given a great amount of training before you even start on the phone,” she said.
“I really get a lot out of it — people don’t always call because they are thinking about suicide, they can call because they are lonely, going through a hard time, or are overwhelmed.
“It’s taught me better communi-cation and listening skills, I don’t think I always used to be the best listener.
“It teaches you to deeply listen to people and hear stories rather than talking over someone or waiting to talk.”
Fellow volunteer Jude Bourguignon agreed with Ms Rebel and said she has learned a lot during her three years as a crisis supporter.
“When you go to Lifeline, the very first thing you learn is that you are not there to fix anything, you are only there to listen,” she said.
“You realise just being there for people in pain and distress is all you have to do, you just need a kind heart and a good ear.
“I’ve become a much better listener and I also don’t judge anything that I’m told. I used to be a very judgemental person in the past.”
Ms Bourguignon encourages residents to consider participating in this “amazing” opportunity.
“It’s the best thing I have ever done,” she said.
“It just fills me with joy — there are days when someone will say thank you and you feel that from the bottom of their heart and it’s wonderful to think that you might have helped someone’s life.
“I realised the importance of connection — being able to talk to another person and for them to hear you whether you’re telling them something amazing or something terrible is all people need.
“As little or as much as you want to give is appreciated and if people are not sure about it, give Lifeline Loddon Mallee a call.”
For more information, visit www.lifelinelm.com or call 5406-0506.
If you or a loved one needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348 or webchat www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat, or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or via webchat at kidshelpline.com.au