Have you ever faced a crisis and felt you had no one to turn to? Have you walked alone through dark and difficult times? Or been the person someone else reached out to in their moment of despair? Every day, thousands of Australians find themselves in crisis, searching for someone who will listen, understand, and offer support. I know this because I was once one of them.
For many years, I lived with mental health challenges and substance dependence. Those struggles eventually pushed me into extreme crisis. I became reliant on drugs, trapped in an abusive relationship, unemployed, and eventually homeless. I spent years living on the streets of Melbourne, sleeping in doorways or abandoned buildings. My only constant companion was a man quicker with his fists than with kindness. Overwhelmed by shame, I withdrew from the family and friends who might have helped me. I was frightened, isolated, and without support.
Today, my life is unrecognisable. I have been in recovery for ten years. I returned to university, completed a degree and then a Master’s in Social Work. I now have a safe and beautiful home, a meaningful career in the welfare sector, strong relationships with my family, and a community of supportive friends. By any measure, my story is one of success.
But I did not rebuild my life alone.
At my lowest point, I was fortunate to access the support I needed. A homelessness service found safe housing for me. A rehabilitation program helped me overcome my substance use issues. A compassionate psychologist provided the emotional support that allowed me to begin healing. A welfare organisation helped me leave the abusive relationship. And when I was ready, my family welcomed me back with love and understanding. Support was available, and it changed the course of my life.
Support is also available for others through services like Lifeline. Lifeline is a national 24/7 crisis support service offering hope, comfort, and connection to people across Australia in their darkest moments.
Here in Coffs Harbour, Lifeline North Coast is proud to contribute to this essential work. We are deeply committed to mental health and community wellbeing, and we believe that with the right training, anyone can learn to support people in crisis.
Could you see yourself volunteering as a Crisis Supporter? You don’t need personal experience with trauma. You don’t need to know the “perfect” thing to say. What matters most is compassion, respect, and self-awareness. At Lifeline North Coast, our comprehensive Crisis Support Workplace Training gives volunteers the skills they need to provide calm, effective support when it matters most.
One of our volunteers recently shared:
“I’ve always wanted to be the person someone could call when they needed help. Now I get to be that voice on the other end of the line. It’s time well spent. Lifeline has shaped me…it’s made me a better communicator, a better friend, and a better human.”
Many of our volunteers speak about the profound privilege of being trusted by callers who share their fears, pain, and hopes. Some join us to strengthen their clinical skills: counselling, social work, and psychology students in particular find the experience invaluable. Others join simply because helping people gives them a deep sense of purpose.
If you are interested in becoming a Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporter, I encourage you to get in touch.
Phone: 0411 212 686
Email: sdohhan@lifelinenc.org.au
Our next training program begins 19 March 2026, and enrolments are now open.
Together, we can ensure no one has to face a crisis alone.