Become a Distress Line Volunteer

Volunteers are the lifeline of our service! Our volunteers make a difference in the lives of those in our community who are lonely, in crisis, or experiencing emotional stress.

Before applying, please read the information on this page in order to decide if this is the right time for you to apply (you must be 19 years of age or older to apply):

Things to consider before applying:

• Due to the nature of volunteering on a Distress Line, if you are currently experiencing emotional difficulties or trauma this is  not the best time  for you to volunteer in this position.  If you have experienced emotional difficulties or trauma  within the past 2 years we ask that you wait at least  1 year  before  applying. 

• We are not a peer-to-peer support agency, which means          that we are not able to share our own personal experiences  or opinions with clients who use our services.

• Please consider carefully if you have the time to attend all  8 training sessions, and volunteer 12 hours a month for at least 1 year. 

Distress Line volunteer responsibilities:

• Attend our Training session (1 class each week for 8 weeks, 7-10pm). There is a $50 fee for training.

• Obtain a Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

• Provide telephone and online support to clients in accordance with the policies and guidelines learned in Training.

• Volunteer for at least 1 year, completing 12 hours each month (for a total of 144 hours), and 2 shifts each month in subsequent years.

• Be reliable in fulfilling your shift commitment (you can choose the shifts that best suit your schedule).

• Attend ongoing training and workshops provided by the Centre.

Our Training and Volunteer experience will:

• Improve your active listening and communications skills.

• Teach you crisis prevention and suicide risk assessment skills.

• Increase your knowledge of community resources, social issues, and mental health issues.

• Develop and improve skills useful in personal and professional situations.

• Provide you with valuable work experience, and once you complete 144 volunteer hours you can request a letter of reference.

• Certify you as a safeTALK Suicide Alertness Helper.

Watch our Video

Training Info & Dates

Each Session has 8 classes and all are mandatory. 

There is a $50 fee for training. This fee covers the cost of training materials.

We have 2 locations, Oakville & Georgetown. 

Oakville 

Meeting & Interviews (by invite only, please submit application first): 

7pm Tuesday, Jan 8, 2019

7pm Wednesday, Mar 20, 2019

Training Dates (once application accepted):

7-10pm Tues, Jan 15 to Mar 5, 2019

7-10pm Wed, Mar 27 to May 15, 2019

Georgetown

Meeting & Interviews (by invite only, please submit application first):

TBA

Training Dates (once application accepted):

7-10pm Wed, Feb 6 to Mar 13, 2019

Distress Line volunteer qualifications:

• 19 Years of Age or Older

• Able to Handle Crisis

• Good Listener

• Empathetic

• Non-Judgmental

• Patient

• Self-Aware

• Respectful

• Common Sense

• Responsible and Reliable