But that’s what the volunteers at Lifeline Ballarat do every day, providing support for Australians in crisis. 

Lifeline Ballarat is looking for more volunteers to create lifesaving connections with complete strangers. A diverse range of volunteers currently man the phones – from full time workers to retirees, students and stay at home mums. 

Nina (not her real name) said she’d experienced a lot of person growth over her seven years at Lifeline Ballarat. 

Starting out as volunteer while looking after children full time, she said forging a personal connection with people on a daily basis had improved her confidence. 

“I just remember even at high school, I would never stand up and talk in front of anyone, but now I’m standing up and delivering talks and delivering Lifeline training,” Nina said.

“It can be quite challenging and confronting at times, but also quite gratifying in some ways. 

“You know that you’re coming in, and often you can hear a slight change in someone, which says ‘Okay, someone has heard me today.’ 

“You are never isolated or alone in this role, there’s always someone you can talk to and an ample amount of support.”

Lifeline was founded in 1963, and now answers more than 1800 calls per day. 

Lifeline Ballarat program manager Michelle MacGillivray said volunteers often have good communication skills, with openness a necessity.

“Coming to people with an open attitude, non-judgement and positive, so that whatever people bring to you on the table you can accept that,” she said. 

“Volunteers need to be ready to learn, the training is a commitment.”

An information night will be held on January 23 at the Peart Wing, 103 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat.

Prospective volunteers need to be able to give eight hours of their time per month.

To find out more, head to www.lifeline.org.au/ballarat/lifeline-ballarat-home