Distress Line Listener
Volunteering as a Distress Line Listener can be a life-changing experience. We'll get you started with 90 hours of comprehensive training in crisis management, suicide prevention, family violence intervention, and much more. You'll develop communication skills that will improve how you relate to the people in your life and you'll be a part of an amazing team of compassionate people. Completing your volunteer contract as a Distress Line Listener is a great way to enhance your resume and earn a great reference letter. If you work, or are thinking about working, in a helping field (social work, counselling, nursing, etc.), becoming a Distress Line Listener give you lots of experience and help to grow your skills. Without highly-skilled, caring volunteers, the Distress Line would cease to exist and more than 1,300 calls for help would go unanswered each month. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, including students, parents, community members, grandparents, teachers, nurses, retirees, and working professionals. To volunteer with the Distress Line, you must be at least 18 years old, have empathy, and feel comfortable supporting callers in crisis. The qualities which make good telephone volunteers are maturity, warmth, stability, objectivity, caring and common sense. Volunteers must be able to empathize with people in distress in a calm and empowering manner. Volunteers also need to be comfortable with using new technology, as well as multi-tasking. You don't need any special schooling or diplomas or degrees we'll train you! If you are patient, compassionate, reliable, objective, and able to listen without judgment, we can offer you an amazing experience. The first rule of crisis intervention is that the person who is doing the helping cannot be in crisis themselves. Therefore, we may require prospective volunteers who have experienced a major life event or loss within the past 12 months to wait at least one year from the date of the event before beginning training. Further, our volunteers experience the rewards of knowing they make a real difference to the people who call. On top of that, you'll learn skills that can improve your personal and professional life and that will last long past any time you spend with us. This volunteer experience is highly-respected and an asset on any resume. As a Distress Line volunteer you will work with a diverse range of clients and situations. You'll make connections, receive supportive feedback, work as a member of a dedicated team, and increase your knowledge of community resources. The challenge we provide also keeps our volunteers coming back for more. There is much opportunity for personal growth. In terms of practical, career-related experience for those pursuing the helping professions, this volunteer opportunity can't be beat. March Class Training Dates - If these dates work for you please apply https://edmonton.cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/March-2026-Distress-Line-Volunteer-Training-Dates.docx Application link to apply for this volunteer position https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=69fd31e6-ea5a-437c-9ef4-8b09b157dbfa&ApplicationFormNumber=1
Why should you volunteer for this opportunity?
Volunteers who complete their first contract are eligible to receive a letter of reference or recommendation from their program supervisor. This letter would include a description of your role and training, the hours given to the service, and other pertinent notes about your performance as a volunteer. Upon successful conclusion of the training program, volunteers may also receive verification of their involvement as a Distress Line volunteer.