The Distress Centre of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville is a free, confidential and anonymous telephone support service, which provides a safe and comfortable space to reach someone in your time of need. All of our callers are treated with respect and empathy by the Distress Centre volunteers.

The focus of the service is on listening, support and non-clinical short term crisis intervention. All volunteers are trained in active listening techniques and how to address emergency situations. On how to support callers and allow them the opportunity to discuss their feelings, and concerns; and how to encourage our callers to com up with solutions to their own problems. Volunteers will also provide information and referrals where appropriate and intervene in life threatening situations.

When recruiting volunteers we look for individuals that can be non-judgmental, empathetic, and compassionate towards others. As a volunteer you are a catalyst for positive change in our communities. Our goal is to empower others through active listening, which promotes self-growth, development, communication and independence. If you are looking to make a difference in someone's life please fill out the volunteer application.

The requirements/process to become a Distress Centre Volunteer are:

• Distress Centre volunteers must reside within Lanark, Leeds and Grenville 
• To complete the attached fillable application, and returned by email to dcvolunteer@dslg.ca 
•  A Distress Center Coordinator will reach out to you to arrange an interview that can be completed in  person or virtually  
• To provide 3 character references  
• To provide a police check  
• Following satisfactory completion of above, attend 3 training sessions via Teams or in person 
•  Following satisfactory completion of training, complete 3 training shifts on the line scheduled with  experienced volunteers  
• Complete all mandatory policies and procedures prior to first solo shift