Lifeline provides free, 24/7 crisis support to anyone struggling to cope with emotional distress. Photo: Lifeline.
CONTENT WARNING: This story refers to suicide.
If someone called you in a crisis, would you know what to say?
Lifeline programs manager Alisha Tarrant never planned for her job. In fact, growing up, she wanted to be a London nanny or theatre actor. But then her life was turned upside down at just 17 years old, when she lost her brother Dean to suicide.
“Those big plans I had for the future suddenly didn’t seem worthwhile,” Alisha says.
“I just wanted to be close to home and family, where I felt safe.
“I finally found the comfort, companionship and reassurance I needed through suicide and bereavement support groups. That’s what sparked my determination to help others and eventually led to volunteering with Lifeline.”
Alisha began her career with Lifeline Canberra in 2009.
She started as a volunteer on the front lines, taking calls from everyday people at their most vulnerable. When a paid role came up about 18 months in, she never looked back.
Someone calls Lifeline every 30 seconds on average – that’s about 3000 calls every day. They aren’t all high-risk, but they are all important. That’s why training to offer crisis support is such a serious commitment.
Other than an open heart and willingness to learn, you don’t need any formal qualifications or experience to apply.
“You also don’t have to have gone through a crisis yourself to validate someone else’s experience,” Alisha says.
“We’re all just humans trying to do our best and navigate life as it comes. We all know what fear, sadness and loneliness feel like.
“My main worry was that I would carry people home emotionally, which is a common concern for people thinking about doing this kind of work. But that vulnerability is a real strength – it shows that you care.”
Alicia has worn many hats in her 15 years at Lifeline, including volunteer, supervision officer, training coordinator and now programs manager. Photo: Lifeline.
There are some basic certifications involved. Prospective volunteers will have to undergo a police check and hold an unrestricted Working with Vulnerable People card. They also need to complete an online language, literacy and numeracy test and a digital literacy test.
Training is nationally recognised and rolled out in three stages: initial training (three months), student placement (two months) and internship (seven to nine months).
“Most calls to Lifeline come from people who are safe, but it’s so important to be prepared for those who aren’t,” Alisha says.
“Your first call could be someone at a high risk of suicide, which is why training is such a big commitment.”
Volunteering at Lifeline Canberra doesn’t just mean crisis support. There are plenty of other ways to get involved, such as Lifeline Bookfairs, Booklover’s Lane at Fyshwick Markets, warehousing, fundraising and events.
But if you are interested in being that voice on the other end of the line, Alisha recommends starting with an online information session.
“One of the reasons Lifeline works and is so worthwhile is the positive impact it can have on our own lives,” she says.
“You learn so much about yourself and it feels good to connect with something bigger than you that fills your cup at the same time.
“If you have the slightest inkling you might want to do it, there’s no harm in coming along. It could be the best decision you’ve ever made.”
The next Lifeline Crisis Supporter Information Session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, 27 January, from 6 pm to 7 pm. Interested? Find out more at Lifeline Canberra.
If this story has raised any issues for you, you can call Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line on 13 11 14.
