Lifeline Mid Coast is seeking more people to "answer the call".
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An information session will be staged at The Westport Club on February 2 as Lifelife Mid Coast looks for more telephone crisis support volunteers.
The dedicated volunteers answer calls on Lifeline's telephone crisis support line 13 11 14.
Port Macquarie's Ben Cudmore is awaiting the telephone crisis support volunteer training as he continues to give back to the community.
Mr Cudmore hit rock bottom and attempted suicide amid a battle with depression and drug addiction.
He turned his life around, quit drugs, eliminated negative influences, rebuilt relationships, changed his job and created new routines.
In a commitment to help others, Mr Cudmore launched a podcast, called Happy Days, based on giving hope and sharing stories of vulnerability, grit, strength and survival.
Read more:
Profits from Happy Days merchandise sponsored five Lifeline telephone crisis supporters in 2020.
Mr Cudmore has co-founded a non-profit organisation, Self Seen, which aims to change the way the community and individuals show up for mental health.
He recognises the value of Lifeline's crisis phone line.
Mr Cudmore said the crisis phone line was a pretty big factor in a friend seeking help.
"We all go through battles, big or small," he said.
"To be able to talk to a stranger without judgment is a beautiful thing."
Mr Cudmore also plans to boost awareness of the Lifeline crisis phone line in the community.
Lifeline experienced an increase in calls, reaching record levels, after the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.
Telephone crisis support volunteers are needed now more than ever.
Lifeline Mid Coast provides care and support to callers in their time of personal crisis.
Its volunteers are people with a strong sense of self-awareness and the ability to express empathy and respect for others without judgment.
Lifeline Mid Coast marketing coordinator Lisa Willows said people in extreme crisis often tended to call the 13 11 14 line if they were not certain what to do.
"Some simply want to talk, others need more help," she said.
Lifeline Mid Coast will host the telephone crisis support volunteer information session at The Westport Club from 6pm on February 2.
Training starts in April.
Register to attend the information night by phoning 6581 2800 or email admin@lifelinemidcoast.org.au
Personal growth, compassion and building a toolkit for mental health are just some of the benefits of becoming part of the Lifeline Mid Coast team as a crisis support volunteer.
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