Volunteers commit to:

• Our extensive 43 hour in-person training program, including: skill development and practice, Suicide Intervention Skills Training, and at least 10 hours of homework reading and practice.
• Completion of Observation Shift(s) and Support Shift(s) within two months of finishing Basic Training.
  (Some expectations may be made due to extenuating circumstances)
• 1 shift per week (3-4 hours) until 140 hours are completed.
• Volunteering at least 140 hours over the 12-18 months following Basic Training (not including Training hours).

Minimum Qualifications include:

• Living in the Victoria, BC area.
• Being 17 years of age on the first day of training. If you are under 19 years of age, we require permission from a parent or guardian.
• Aptitude in verbal and written English.
• Comfort with using computers and having a typed conversation with a young person.
• Willingness to submit to a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector search.
• A Training Deposit of $200. If you complete the commitment of 140 hours over 12-18 months, then you will receive $140 of the deposit back. (Some flexibility may be available if cost is a barrier).
• 1 year recovery from any major trauma or life event such as death, divorce, addiction (i.e., substances, self-harm, etc.), or serious mental illness.
• 1 year recovery from a personal suicide attempt, intense suicidal ideation, and/or the suicide death of a significant individual.