Interested In Volunteering ?
If you could change a life, or even save one, just by answering the phone …
Would you?
The Interior Crisis Line provides over 32,000 supportive contacts each year. That’s 32,000 times someone living in the Interior Region decided “today is the day, I need support” and their call was answered. We have staff and volunteer crisis line responders working collaboratively to answer as many calls as possible.
Even with over 100 trained volunteers, there are still calls we can’t answer … without you.
“You answering the phone tonight and listening to me reminded me that I matter.”
Know you are making a difference
We are all looking for a deeper sense of purpose in our lives.
Unfortunately a busy life does not necessarily mean a meaningful one.
Volunteering with the Interior Crisis Line Society is a tangible way to give back to your community by filling a very real need in the lives of others through listening and providing empowering support.
Each time you answer the phone or respond to a crisis text or chat, you know you’ve made a difference.
“The training not only prepared me to answer calls on the crisis line, it made me a better person.”
Experience Powerful, Evidence-Based & Impactful Volunteer Training
Potential volunteers go through a process to prepare them to support people in crisis. This includes an initial screening, interview, followed by 60+ hours of training which includes engaging self-study components, in-class learning, interactive exercises and role plays along with group and 1:1 mentoring sessions. Screening occurs throughout the process and is a mutual decision for candidates to move forward.
Training supports participants in strengthening communication skills, shifting from ‘rescuing’ tendencies to providing empowering support, setting healthy boundaries and using evidence-based stress-reduction tools. It includes elements that positively impact a volunteer’s personal and professional relationships as well as their support contacts on the crisis line or crisis chat.
Our training is sought after by those seeking work in emergency response, police, social workers and the mental health field and those with similar backgrounds who want to make a difference.
“I am in awe of every person on our team. Crisis Line work attracts the most caring and compassionate people I know. ”
Become Part of a Caring Community
People who volunteer for the Interior Crisis Line tend to be the carers with their families, their friends and their communities. They are motivated by a desire to ‘make a difference’ and are innately compassionate.
Being part of a collaborative group of like-minded and compassionate people is inspiring and supportive.
If you can access one of the ICLN community training sites (Cranbrook, Kelowna, Trail, Vernon or Williams Lake) and are interested in becoming a volunteer, reach out to the ICLN administrative number (604.256.3153) or complete the contact form below.
Even if you are outside of these areas, identify your closest ICLN agency community in the form below as you may still be able to participate in online training and volunteering.