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.
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.
Telecare is currently looking for 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.
The Board meets monthly for approximately two hours - generally on the second Monday morning of each month. We break for July and August. Members are also expected to keep up with communications between members when direction is required between meetings.
Telecare receives no regular government support. Funding comes from the generosity of our community donors and grants from foundations and local government. To supplement, Telecare must engage in regular fundraising activities.
Fundraising volunteers will help with special events such as Tag Days, community information tables, and presentations or meetings with donors or prospective donors.
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.
To get started, click the button at the top of the page to apply online now!
Otherwise, you can download a PDF version of the volunteer application and mail it to:
Telecare Distress Line of Greater Simcoe
Business Office
170 Colborne St. W.,
Orillia, ON. L3V 2Z3
