Twice a year, Lifeline Canberra offers a comprehensive training program for volunteers. This training program has been developed and accredited by Lifeline Australia and is nationally recognised. The training is rigorous and focused towards effective crisis counselling over the telephone.

The Training Program takes approximately 14 weeks, with one 3-hour session per week, one weekend and three Saturdays. Once enrolled, the dates of these classes are not negotiable and attendance is compulsory. In addition, students are required to complete regular E-Learning modules and homework.

If successfully completed, the course is followed by a period of probation on the phones. This probation period is approximately 12 months, after which students become accredited Telephone Crisis Supporters.

The course costs $475 ($375 Concession). The first course for 2012 is currently underway. The next course willl commence in July, 2012. Applications will be due in May. Application forms for the next round of training will be available to download from this page shortly.

Information Nights for the next round of telephone counselling training will be held on 18 April and 2 May, 2012, at the Australian Institute of Management Training Facility, 14 Childers St, Acton, ACT (directly opposite The Street Theatre). It would be appreciated if you could RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to give us an indication of numbers.

If you would like to receive more information closer to the commencement date, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will add you to our database of interested applicants.

For any further information, please email Janet Rickwood at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Trainer of Telephone Counselling).