The Vancouver Island Crisis Line is a key program of the Crisis Society. The crisis line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We receive approximately 40,000 interactions per year. Our lines are staffed with both volunteer and paid Crisis Line Responders who are trained and supported by professional staff.

Crisis Services operate on a daily schedule of basic shifts:

• 8:00 am to 12:00 noon
• 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
• 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
• 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (only volunteering shift available for Option B volunteers)
• 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight
• 12:00 midnight to 8:00 am

Option A volunteers commit to working a minimum of three four-hour shifts and one eight-hour overnight shift per month (20 hours). Available once again in 2024.

Option B volunteers commit to working a minimum of five four-hour shifts per month (20 hours). Available once again in 2024.

Option C volunteers commit to working a minimum of three four-hour shifts and one eight-hour overnight shift per month (20 hours).

Volunteers aligned with any of the three options commit to a minimum of 200 hours of service (excludes training hours).

Shifts are scheduled at the volunteers' convenience.

Pre-Training

Every individual is required to undergo a screening process by the Crisis Society prior to formal acceptance into our volunteer training programs. This process comprises:

• Completing a volunteer application form
• Passing a Criminal Record Check, which must include a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS). RCMP policy states that a Vulnerable Sector Search must be conducted by the local police agency in the jurisdiction where an applicant resides. Therefore, no online Criminal Record Check is acceptable.
• Being interviewed by a Crisis Society trainer
• Crisis Society verifying references provided in application form

Training Fee

Registrants are next required to pay a non-refundable training fee of $100.00 before training begins. We offer the following payment options:

• e-Transfer via email at etransfer[at]vicrisis.ca
• PayPal shopping cart
  
• MasterCard, VISA, or AMEX by phone by calling 1-877-753-2495 (250-753-2495 in Greater Nanaimo). Our office is open from Monday to Thursday, from 9 to 12 and 1 to 4 Pacific
• Cheque made out to Vancouver Island Crisis Society, mailed to PO Box 1118, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E7
• Cash, usually provided directly to a Crisis Society Trainer

The fee also includes an inaugural one-year membership with the Vancouver Island Crisis Society.

 

Introduction and Training Dates
NEW: Training Options
Service, Commitment, Pre-Training, Fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Form
A Volunteer Crisis Line Responder's Reflections