The PIN Crisis Line has operated without interruption 24 hours a day since it opened in 1975.
But it can’t do it without the dedicated volunteers who answer the phone.
Volunteers are needed to sign up for the next Crisis Line training session beginning this week.
“This volunteer experience is invaluable for everyone who takes part, whether you are a student, work in the helping field or an individual who finds it rewarding to help people in need of emotional support, community resources or crisis intervention,” said Sharon Durant, education and program support coordinator. “It is excellent for communication skills building.”
In 2000, the People In Need Crisis Intervention Society celebrated 30 years of continuous 24-hour service. That year service was enhanced to the Revelstoke and Shuswap areas by providing local toll-free telephone numbers to allow easy access for callers to the Crisis Line.
In May of 2011 the Vernon Crisis Line became a member of the Distress Line Network and began answering calls on the provincial 1-800-SUICIDE phone line. In the past few years the Crisis Line has received between 4,000 and 4,500 calls per year.
“The credit for this must be given to the hundreds of volunteers for their compassion, commitment and dedication, for they are the ones who have provided countless hours of listening and empowering,” said Durant.
Training takes place Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., June 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. and June 8 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To book an interview, or for more information, please call 250-545-8074 or apply online at www.peopleinneed.ca
