Our highly trained volunteers are dedicated to providing compassionate support to those in distress. In turn, Distress Centre is dedicated to supporting the incredible work they do. We ensure they are prepared, comfortable and successful in their role.
After you submit your volunteer application, please ensure that your two references have submitted their reference forms, as they need to be received for your application to be considered complete.
Training takes place over a 3-week period with a combination of Microsoft Teams classroom sessions and self-paced online modules. Classroom training is followed by supervised shifts where trainees support service users on-site in our contact centre. Attendance is required for all of the training modules and coaching shifts as well before you will be able to be on the lines solo. Social distancing measures are in place and in accordance to the Government of Alberta public health measures.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Apply by: Ongoing
Age: 18+
The Condensed Crisis Line Responder Program is a unique edition of our regular Crisis Line Volunteer commitment. This position is ideal for those who want to rapidly gain personal and professional experience, but are unable to commit for a full year. This program asks for 12 hours a week for a minimum of 2 months after completing a 40-hour training over 1 week.
Apply by: Ongoing
Age: 18+
Our highly trained volunteers provide confidential support to callers. They do this by listening, managing crisis situations, ensuring the caller is safe, and providing the appropriate information about Distress Centre programs as well as refer them to services within the community.
Apply by: Ongoing
Age: 18+
As an Online Services Crisis Line Volunteer, working from your own home, you provide service users (via text, chat and email) with confidential service using tools and skills acquired in classroom theory, practical/on-going training, and continuous feedback. You offer service users support, crisis intervention, and provide appropriate information and referrals to programs within Distress Centre as well as the community. Our volunteers must be able to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in changing situations. This can include taking multiple chats, covering peer-support services, and keeping up to date with the latest best practices, policies, and procedures. Volunteers are also expected to enter short reports on all service user contacts to allow follow-up and/or evaluations by the staff.
Apply by: Ongoing
Age: 15-20
As a youth volunteer, you will provide confidential peer support to teens in distress by phone, chat, text or email. Extensive classroom, practical and ongoing training provided.
