Content warning: this story references mental health and suicide. If this story raises concerns for you, please contact:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Respect 1800 737 732.
When you think about death, you think car accidents, heart attacks or cancer – you don’t think of suicide.
“That’s a big reason why I volunteer.”
Amy started volunteering for Lifeline back in 2021.
“I wear a lot of different hats. I’ve put myself in many different programs here,” she says.
“I love it because they all require different skills.”
One of Amy’s many roles is as a Crisis Support worker.
“You don’t need to be working in mental health to be a volunteer at Lifeline,” says Amy.
“We have so many different ages, demographics and backgrounds here. That’s what makes the service so great.”
As a Crisis Support worker Amy supports people over the phone who are experiencing mental health crisis.
Although her volunteer work can be challenging, she feels it has had a positive impact on her life.
“It gives me meaning and purpose,” says Amy.
“There’s been massive movements in the past ten years in Australia surrounding mental health but there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done.
“Especially in reducing the stigma and the incidence of suicide. I want to help reduce that.”
Amy urges those thinking about volunteering for Lifeline to sign up.
“Lifeline has given me more skills and enhanced my knowledge. It’s also given me a wider perspective of what mental health can be,” she says.
“I’ve learnt a lot about myself and what I have capacity to do.”
When reflecting on her time as a volunteer, Amy stresses the importance of reaching out for support.
“People do it really tough on their own a lot of the time.
“But just know there is help. Lifeline is a 24/7 service to support you in your crisis. We are one phone call away. Please call.”
