VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are the lifeline of Telecare. From inception, Telecare Distress Centre has relied heavily on dedicated volunteers who are willing to provide comfort and support to our callers. Our training programs are conducted several times a year.

To ensure that they are equipped to effectively manage the lines, volunteers are carefully screened and are required to complete 50 hours of In-class and On-line training sessions in their first year. The training sessions cover a wide range of topics including listening skills, sexuality, values, diversity competency, crisis/suicide prevention/intervention, mental health,  HIV/AIDS, disabilities and many other social issues.

Telecare Distress Centre also provides continuous education for our current volunteers so that they can be up-to-date and be fully informed of the new social issues, challenges and changes within the community. The primary purpose of the training is to ensure that our volunteers feel comfortable offering non-judgmental, compassionate, listening and emotional support to anyone calling our lines.

We value our volunteers and honour their generous gift of time and expertise. We believe that   volunteers make all the difference. Our volunteers are encouraged to participate in numerous events and their efforts and contributions are recognized throughout the year through informal and formal social events and get-togethers.
     
Volunteering at Telecare Distress Centre can be a tremendously unique and rewarding experience, allowing you the opportunity to help others, while developing skills that will transcend into every aspect of your life.

BONAFIDE VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

The following are bonafide requirements for all Telecare Crisis line volunteer positions:

• Applicant must be 21 years of age
• Legally able to volunteer in Canada
• Agreement to complete the police verification form given by Telecare Distress Centre or submission of a recent Police Records Check form from a volunteer organization (within 6 months of validity period)
• Volunteer Commitment:  minimum of 12 volunteer hours every month for 1 year  totaling 144 volunteer hours after training has been completed
• Agreement to attend 50 hours of Training (mandatory for ALL volunteers)
• Payment of a refundable $50 training fee on the first day of training
• Agreement to sign the confidentiality agreement

Benefits of Volunteering

When you volunteer with us, you:

• Increase self-awareness
• Clarify goals in life in terms of career/job/new experience
• Develop active listening and effective communication skills
• Gain new insights and perspectives
• Acquire new knowledge by being exposed to different settings and experiences
• Better understanding of individual differences by being exposed to people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, races, ages and abilities
• Increase your awareness of the special needs and circumstances of others
• Better understanding of personal strengths, values and beliefs
• A stronger sense of belonging and giving back to the community
• Increased insight into social issues and community challenges
• Increase your knowledge of community resources
• Learn crisis intervention skills
• Develop skills which are useful in interpersonal and business situations
• Help others help themselves
• Have the opportunity to network

Student Placements

Every year we welcome many student placements. Students join Telecare Distress Centre’s team to fulfill a college or university co-op placement, or a research placement. Our past and current student’s placements have been from- York University, Ryerson University, Sheridan College, Humber College and George Brown College. If you are interested in joining our Telecare Distress Centre team as a student placement, please contact us for more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  Do I need special qualifications to be a volunteer on the lines?
A:   While we don’t look for any specific educational qualifications, there are certain qualities that we expect from our line volunteers.

• You need to be atleast 21 years of age
• A listening ear, a caring heart, patience, empathy, and a sense of commitment
• To be able to complete a 50 hour Training Program
• To be able to commit 12 hours per month on the Crisis Line Service, for a minimum of 1 year.
•  Payment of $50.00 training fee (refundable upon completion of 144 hours within one year on crisis line
• You need to compassionate and to listen without judging.
• You need to be able to accept differences in others that may be contrary to your beliefs.

Q:  Are there specific shifts that I would have to volunteer?
A:  No. You choose the shifts and the days that are most suitable for you.

Q:  What type of training would I receive?
A:   You will receive specialized training that would improve your analytical and communication skills, especially in the art of active listening. Training is conducted in small groups by qualified staff and volunteers, and includes role playing   and guest speakers. All volunteers will receive complete, current and timely training to ensure they are fully qualified to perform their assigned duties on the crisis lines.

Q:  Your values state that you are founded on Christian principles. Do I have to be a Christian to volunteer at the centre or use your services?
A:  No. Our service is for anyone and everyone. Telecare is a strong believer of diversity and equal opportunity in its volunteer base and work force. Telecare Distress Centre is opposed to discrimination on the basis of sex, race, sexuality, age, physical or mental disability, religious beliefs, marital status, parental status,  political affiliation, physical features or social and cultural backgrounds. All our volunteers go through the same training course. Telecare Distress Centre’s strength lies in its inclusiveness and diversity in all its services and programs. Applicants will be considered for volunteer positions in Telecare Distress Centre solely on the basis of skill, aptitude and relevant qualifications.

Q. What can you expect when you call on the Crisis Line?
A. When you call Telecare Distress Centre, you can expect anonymity and confidentiality, as well as an empathetic listener. We are here to: comfort and support you, listen when others won't, understand when others can't and provide community information and referrals.

Q. When Can I Call?
A. Our phone lines are open around the clock, seven days a week (including holidays) and the service is free.

Q. Who are the people who answer the Crisis lines?
A. The phone lines at Telecare Distress Centre are staffed by trained volunteers who believe listening makes a difference, and can be a valuable service to anyone. Our volunteers provide a range of services on the telephone lines from crisis management to providing information about other services available in the community. Our volunteers do not give advice; we provide support and a safe place to talk. Our volunteers care and are here to listen!

VOLUNTEER QUOTES:

"I've really enjoyed meeting new people at the Distress Centre and helping to
provide a service to those who need it."

"I wanted "hands on" experiences related to my major and I truly got what I
wanted. My experience with the Distress Centre clarified for me what field I
really wanted to go into."

"After the 1st year of volunteering at the Distress Centre, I felt very good about
my experiences there and decided to stay on. I am still learning from the
Distress Centre today & hopefully helping others who are in need."

"I needed volunteer experience to assist with my first career position. I strongly
believe my new employer was impressed that I had chosen to volunteer with
an agency that operates on the front lines of mental health care."

"I deal with people all day at my job, the skills I've been taught have helped
me to deal with them more patiently. I find I am able to deal with difficult
situations & individuals without becoming upset & losing my professionalism. "