Volunteer Crisis Line Responder Training

Volunteering with the Interior Crisis Line Service or 9-8-8 Crisis Line 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 chat, you know you’ve made a difference.

Potential volunteers go through a process to prepare them to take calls. This includes an initial screening, interview, followed by 40 hours of training which includes engaging in-class learning, interactive exercises and role plays along with group and/or 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. Elements that positively impact a volunteer’s personal and professional relationships as well as their support contacts on the crisis line or crisis chat.

Volunteers must attend all four training dates:

• January 18 & 19, 2025 from 9am to 4pm MST
• January 25 & 26, 2025 from 9am to 4pm MST

To become a Crisis Line Responder Volunteer, please contact Volunteer Kootenays at 426-5222 ext 3034.