Suicide Crisis Line Volunteer Training

SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

Training begins January 21, 2021!

(Santa Cruz, CA.) Suicide Prevention Service (SPS), a program of the Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, is dedicated to providing suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention services that support the life, health, and safety of those at risk of suicide throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties.

Suicide Prevention Service of the Central Coast is looking for new suicide crisis line volunteers! Our crisis hotline serves the tri-county area of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Join us for volunteer responder training and participate in a rewarding experience while learning active listening skills, self-care, and suicide and crisis intervention techniques. The volunteer training sessions begin on January 21, 2021, and conclude on March 11, 2021. Training conducted by video conferencing. Early registration is required.

For more information, please email us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.suicidepreventionservice.org.

No experience is necessary—only a willing and an open heart. 18+

Background:
Due to the daily stress around life amid the ongoing pandemic, economic uncertainty, political unrest, and the limited access to in-person mental health service providers, the Suicide Crisis Line operated by the Suicide Prevention Service of the Central Coast is anticipating a dire need for well-trained volunteer responders. The widespread fear and anxiety prevalent in the population have been particularly hard for those already in crisis or prone to experiencing anxiety, depression, and possible isolation. We expect this trajectory may continue for some time and are committed to doing everything possible to support our community members in staying safe.

We engage people through community outreach, educational presentations in schools, and evidence-based training such as ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and SafeTalk. SPS operates the 24/7/365, free, confidential, and multilingual Suicide Crisis Hotline, 1-877-663-5433. The program is an Accredited Crisis Center through the American Association of Suicidology and is certified with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Postvention services include bereavement support services focusing on providing support for survivors of suicide loss. We are a small team of five staff and 80 dedicated and trained volunteers.

If you are suicidal, in crisis, or concerned for a loved one, please call our 24-hour suicide crisis hotline at 1-877-663-5433 (1-877-ONE-LIFE).