Suicide hotlines provide confidential support and advice for those in need. Volunteers need empathy and basic language and telephone skills, and undergo training before being accepted. Continuing education is available.
A suicide or crisis hotline is a confidential telephone number that people in need can call for advice, support and help. Most countries have emergency hotlines for suicidal people, victims of rape and incest, and victims of domestic violence. Many of these hotlines are staffed by trained volunteers who devote several hours each week to helping others through difficult times in their lives. If you’re interested in volunteering on a suicide hotline, you need some basic skills, but the most important skill you’ll need is empathy and the ability and willingness to talk to others about their problems.
No skills are required for suicide hotline volunteers, although a thorough understanding of at least one language and basic telephone skills are highly recommended. Knowledge of other languages, especially in areas with large immigrant populations, is extremely helpful. Also, people who have studied some basic psychology are often welcomed on a suicide hotline, but this is not mandatory for volunteers, as the necessary knowledge and skills will be imparted during the training.
To volunteer on a suicide hotline, the first step is to find a local suicide hotline and attend an orientation session. Current volunteers and staff will talk about job requirements and time commitments, and people who are interested in joining the suicide hotline can fill out applications. The application includes basic information about who you are and where you live, as well as filter questions. People dealing with psychological issues are asked to wait to volunteer on a suicide hotline, and many crisis hotlines that receive national funding are also required to have all volunteers undergo a background check. Be prepared to make an hourly commitment, as the hotline will invest 60 or more hours into your training.
Once you’ve been accepted to work at the suicide hotline, you’ll need to undergo training, which varies in length depending on the group you volunteer for. 60 hours is average, usually broken up into chunks over several weeks. Your training will include the type of language to use when speaking to callers, how to interact with callers, ethics, situations you need to report, and role-play activities so you can practice with your fellow trainees.
After training, you will usually have several shifts supervised by another person, who can help you manage your calls. Once you’ve been approved to be alone, however, you’ll never truly be alone; backup is always available and many suicide hotlines offer support and counseling to their staff and clients, to make sure everyone is psychologically healthy. Additionally, you can attend continuing education courses to keep your skills up-to-date and interact with other volunteers to establish long-term friendly relationships.
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