LIFESAVERS are not only found on the beach, sometimes they can be spotted singing, playing guitar, working in a car yard and answering the phone.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Every single day 2600 calls for help are made to Lifeline Australia, many are answered by volunteer crisis supporters in the Central West.
With Lifeline's next training course for volunteers starting in mid-March, where a few spots still remain to take place, crisis supporter Greg Jeffree decided to share his story.
READ ALSO: Do you know what the momo challenge is?
He was just 26 years old when he saw an ad on social media that Lifeline Central West needed more crisis supporters.
At time Mr Jeffree was already a musician and working full-time in a car yard as a service adviser, but said he was keen to volunteer and give back to his community.
"For me it's a community that's important to me," he said.
You can relate to them straight away because we've had this shared experience.
Mr Jeffree admits straight up that his own battles with depression have helped give him empathy to do the role and listen to callers without judgement.
"You can relate to them straight away because we've had this shared experience," he said.
"Mental illness is deadly and suicide rates are higher than the road toll."
Calls to Lifeline can be from people who are lonely, depressed, suffering from anxiety, amid a personal crisis, victims of abuse, and sometimes, they are from people who are suicidal.
Before taking any calls for Lifeline, every volunteer crisis supporter is required to undertake intensive training.
In the lead-up to his first shift, Mr Jeffree said he was not nervous.
"I felt like I had empathy and that's what you need. I thought whatever they [the caller] throw at me I'll do my best," he said.
That first crisis call he took was from someone who was so desperately lonely that they called Lifeline for support.
"Loneliness is a bit of a crisis in some demographics," he said.
Everyone's curious about the pointy calls, the ones where people are at imminent risk of suicide.
Mr Jeffree said some of the calls he has taken in the 18 months since he completed his training are what he describes as "pointy".
"Everyone's curious about the pointy calls, the ones where people are at imminent risk of suicide," he said.
Fortunately, those types of calls have been in the minority of what he has answered during his time in the role.
Lifeline promotes and encourages "self-care" among its volunteer crisis supporters and Mr Jeffree said he believes it is vital.
"It's the idea that you can't pour from an empty cup, that you can't take care of others if you're not taking care of yourself," he said.
For Mr Jeffree, his 'happy place' after a challenging shift of taking crisis calls is singing and playing guitar.
It's the idea that you can't pour from an empty cup, that you can't take care of others if you're not taking care of yourself.
"Mostly I play solo, but I also play with my band Booty and the Ho-Fish," he said.
The next crisis supporter training course commences on the weekend of March 16-17.
Lifeline Central West chief executive officer Stephanie Robinson said people from across the region were welcome to attend initial training in Orange and then once qualified could volunteer at call centres in Bathurst, Dubbo or Orange.
"If it's in your DNA to want to help others and make the world a better place then please come along," she said.
"You've got to be able to embrace humanity in all walks of life and support people no matter what their circumstances."
People aged above 18 and from all walks of life are welcome and Ms Robinson encourages those who have "lived, loved and lost" to consider attending.
Find out more in an information session on Monday, March 4 at 6pm at Lifeline Orange, 17 William Street or call 1300 798 258.
Would you like more Dubbo and regional news?
You can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Daily Liberal. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up to our free or subscriber only newsletters below: