Existing services should be utilized when referral is needed, such as the police, library, schools and fire service. Confidentiality of the caller is protected. Volunteers are recruited from local colleges, churches, and other community groups and are required to be 18 years of age or older. Volunteers are required to participate in a minimum of 8 hours of initial training involving communication, empathic listening and extensive role playing. Training groups are limited to 15 people.
All training is provided by a qualified mental health professional.
Co-facilitators are encouraged to increase individual attention and validate strengths and weaknesses of trainees. Training components are designed to be both experiential and practical. Role playing, group discussion, and structured exercises are utilized throughout the training. Prepared vignettes and personal experiences are used to simulate actual calls. Volunteers are given a certificate upon successful completion of training.