According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics study on Causes of Death in Australia in 2011 and Health Profiles in Australia 2011-2013, suicide and depression rates are not waning but we, as individuals can support people in our community who are hurting.
The Lifeline Crisis Support Program on the Sunshine Coast are currently recruiting those interested in completing the Telephone Crisis Supporter training course with the view to becoming someone who can help callers dealing with stressful circumstances and other factors that can lead to a crisis.
Lifeline’s Telephone Crisis Supporters are the glue that holds Lifeline’s 13 11 14 Telephone Crisis Line together by answering calls 365 days a year 24 hours a day.
This course is a pilot of the new streamlined and more practical 6 week course which starts on September 17 and runs through to the end of November.
Susan Griffith Lifeline Telephone Crisis Support Trainer says the 6 week course has a very practical approach with the theory being completed online outside of the face-to-face course sessions. The actual course sessions focus on very practical work which will give students a simulated insight into what they can actually expect and how they will respond to real callers.
“This course will produce Telephone Crisis Supporters with a certain confidence and knowledge that only comes from practical learning,” said Susan.
Susan believes that Lifeline supports our community’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
“Lifeline has a duty of care to provide trained, capable Telephone Crisis Supporters to operate their 13 11 14 Crisis Line to ensure a consistent, comprehensive and appropriate level and type of service to those calling in crisis,” she said.
If you are interested in supporting your community and are inspired to help others overcome difficult times in their lives, please contact Vedaste at the Learning Centre on 07 3250 1965 or visit www.uccommunity.org.au/telephone-crisis-support-training for information and applications on the Telephone Crisis Supporter Course.
An information session will be held on Saturday September 7 from 3-5pm at the UnitingCare Community office at 37 Duporth Ave, Maroochydore. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning 07 3250 1965.
All applications must be submitted by September 9 and application forms are also available from 37 Duporth Avenue, Maroochydore.