Volunteer
Volunteers are the lifeline of our service. Our volunteers make a tremendous 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 volunteer (see application link below).
Things to Consider Before Applying:
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Due to the nature of volunteering with a Distress Centre, if you are currently experiencing emotional difficulties or trauma this may not be the best time for you to volunteer in this position. It is important to evaluate your own mental well-being and consider the impact this type of work may have on your mental and emotional state.
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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.
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We rely on our volunteers to complete the hours they commit to in order to provide full coverage for our programs. Please consider carefully if you have the time to attend all 7 training sessions, and volunteer 12 hours a month for at least 1 year.
Other Considerations
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Volunteer BenefitsOur 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 a compelling reference (letter of reference can be requested upon completion of first year commitment of 144 hours). Work around your schedule with flexible 2-4 hour shifts offered 24/7, with the option of working in one of our call centres or remotely from your own computer.
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Volunteer ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities Include: Attending our Training session (1 class each week for 7 weeks, 7-10pm, see dates below). There is a $35 fee for training (waived for students currently enrolled with a registered post-secondary institution). Obtaining a clear Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening. Providing telephone support to clients in accordance with the policies and guidelines learned in Training. Volunteering for at least 1 year, completing 12 hours each month in the first year (for a total of 144 hours), and 2 shifts each month in any subsequent years. Being reliable in fulfilling your shift commitment (you can choose the shifts that best suit your schedule). Attending ongoing training and workshops provided by the Centre.
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Volunteer QualificationsYou will need to meet these qualifications to become a volunteer: 19 Years of Age or Older Able to Handle Crisis Good Listener/Communicator Empathetic Non-Judgmental Patient Respectful Proficient in English (verbal and written) Responsible and Reliable
Training Information & New Dates!
We are currently accepting applications for our Winter 2024 training sessions.
Next Volunteer Information Zoom Meeting
(by invitation only, please submit application first).
Thursday, February 16th, 2023
7-8 PM
Upcoming Classes
January 15th to February 27th, 2024
Tuesdays, 7-10pm (on Zoom) - Full
February 21st to April 3rd, 2024
Wednesdays, 7-10pm (on Zoom)
March 26th to May 7, 2024
Tuesdays, 7-10pm (on Zoom)
Training Schedule:
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Training sessions are held throughout the year, with sessions starting in January, April, July, and October (dates subject to change with extra training sessions added as needed).
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Evening training sessions are held 7-10pm.
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Training sessions are currently being held on Zoom until we are able to safely return to in-person classes (with remote options) at our Oakville location.