We want people to help us staff a 24 hour helpline which supports people when they are going through a difficult time in their life. This Thorndon-based organisation is looking for people with the ability to listen without passing judgement and to be sympathetic to people in distress or crisis. The focus of this position is on listening and caring: not giving advice or problem solving. Applicants must be comfortable talking about suicide: This position is mostly on the telephone and very rarely is there face to face listening in their secure centre. This role requires a long term commitment as you must attend a 5 week training programme before you can become a telephone listener: New volunteers are given on-going support and training with a mentor programme in place. The training, mentoring and first 6 months of volunteering are done in Thorndon. After 6 months meeting the volunteering commitment of 32 hrs in each 3 month period, it’s possible to seek approval to take calls from home if the volunteer can meet the criteria. There is no reimbursement to volunteers for travel expenses, but free on-site parking can be provided.