A pandemic-induced surge in the demand for counselling support services has prompted the need for locals to upskill.
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Lifeline Central West CEO Stephanie Robinson is encouraging locals look at enrolling in one of several TAFE NSW courses that are being offered to help with the shortage of skilled workers upon National Mental Health month.
"For the past two years, daily call rates at Lifeline have jumped from an average of 2200 calls nationally per day to a current daily call rate of 3500- 3600, which is the highest in history," Ms Robinson said.
"Each time there is a local national disaster like Black Summer Fires or Floods the call rate increases."
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Ms Robinson said these courses, from a Certificate III in Community Services, Certificate IV in Mental Health and a Diploma of Counselling or Mental Health to name a few, provide a great entry into organisation's like LifeLine and many others which are now facing a demand like no other.
"I myself started by studying a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs and I'm now the CEO of Lifeline Central West," she said.
"Getting one of these qualifications often gives you a foot in the door, combined with Lifeline Crisis Support experience and all the free training opportunities and supervision that are offered make candidates very employable."
If you'd like to find out more about enrolling in a TAFE NSW community services or mental health course, call 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
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