We are committed to providing a listening ear to the County of Simcoe and Beyond! We also provide Suicide Prevention training to create safer, and more supportive communities for everyone.
To be heard is a wonderful thing. Our distress line volunteers play a significant role in helping callers to cope. Very often, all that is needed is a non-judgmental, reassuring voice at the other end of the phone to help callers feel supported and less alone. Sometimes, that is enough to help them through stressful situations - and may even forestall costly visits to the emergency department.
Our volunteers need to be caring, compassionate, and non-judgmental and able to honour the promise of confidentiality that we make to our callers.
Training
Our self-directed training model allows you to work through the training manual at your own pace and convenience, with the support of Telecare staff whenever necessary. The course covers topics such as substance abuse, loneliness, grief and bereavement, mental health concerns, suicide, domestic violence, and most importantly effective communication and listening techniques. Once the training manual is complete, new volunteers partner with experienced volunteers to work through hands-on training in the Call Room.
Ongoing training and volunteer development opportunities are offered regularly to keep skills fresh.
All volunteers are required to submit to an entrance interview and a police records check (at no cost to the volunteer).
Commitment
We ask for a commitment of 16 hours per month, done in shifts that suit your schedule. Optimally, volunteers will complete two 4-hour daytime shifts and one 8-hour overnight shift per month. Accommodations and special arrangements can absolutely be made if this schedule does not fit with yours.
Periodically, we recruit additional members of our volunteer Board of Directors. The board is a group of dedicated individuals all with a common interest of helping Telecare Distress Line to provide the best service possible to the communities we serve. Board experience is not required for participation. The board works together to guide Telecare staff in all aspects of the distress line work - from recruitment and training to fundraising and event promotion.
Commitment
The Board meets virtually each month for approximately one hours. Members are also expected to keep up with communications between members when direction is required between meetings.
Fundraising volunteers should have some community connections or be interested in developing them. They may also be familiar with the processes of acquiring and renewing donors. The volunteer will also be responsible for promoting the benefits of Telecare in the community.
Volunteers can work independently or at events. The time required is totally at the volunteer’s discretion. The volunteer will work with the support of Telecare staff to ensure they are knowledgeable about Telecare in order to promote it throughout the community.
