Volunteers at Contact Volunteer listeners are the lifeblood of Contact Greater Philadelphia. Each listener generously contributes two shifts each month to assist people in emotional crisis. Currently, Contact receives a multiplicity of calls each day from the residents of Bucks, Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties. Contact is currently looking to recruit caring people like you, to ensure that every single call for help is answered! To become one of Contact Greater Philadelphia’s trained listeners, all you need is a desire to help and the ability to contribute two shifts each month. Telephone shifts are 4 hours long and run from 7am-11pm each day, 7 days a week. If you choose to become one of Contact’s volunteers, you can sign up for whichever shifts are the most convenient for you. Click here to fill out on an online application form. No previous experience is necessary to become a trained crisis counselor. You can expect to receive top quality training in a relaxed atmosphere, and be included in free seminars and lectures relating to suicide and emotional crisis. Once you’re fully trained, designated Contact support workers are available 24hrs a day to ensure that you are never left unsupported. You can call them for assistance either during or after your shift. Still not sure whether volunteering is for you? Here are some benefits of becoming a certificated helpline listener: You save lives! You provide hands-on help to people in emotional distress, You receive free top-quality training in a supportive environment. You become better educated about mental health issues and resources. You join a wonderful community of volunteers and make new friends. You get the freedom to choose your own shifts. You genuinely make a difference in your community. Contact Greater Philadelphia’s volunteers come from all walks of life. Whether you’re currently employed, unemployed, retired or in school, Contact and its clients would truly appreciate your help. Please call 215-355-6611 to request more information, click here to access and submit an application form, or click here to send Contact Greater Philadelphia an e-mail! Your application will be reviewed by our Director and you will receive a follow-up phone call within a few days of your application submission. If your submission is accepted, you will receive thorough training in such things as active listening techniques, how to detect and counsel suicidal callers, etc. VOLUNTEER TODAY AND MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!