Volunteering Opportunities
For over 50 years, our compassionate, dedicated, and skilled volunteers have been at the heart of all NEED2 programs – including our start as the “NEED” crisis line started by UVic students in 1971!
Education at NEED2 Volunteer Training Applications are now closed for Fall 2021.
Our comprehensive 35-hour training covers:
Exploring and practising the diversity of approaches & skills used by facilitators around sensitive issues with various age groups
The importance of building & strengthening community, including methods of taking care of ourselves and others
Understanding & building confidence in talking about issues and topics around mental health, suicide prevention, self harm, and harm reduction (including ASIST – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
Requirements for Volunteering:
- Live in the Victoria, BC area, and have a reliable form of transportation to travel to training & workshops;
- Over 19 years of age and not currently attending high school;
- Strong oral and written English communication skills;
- Can submit for a current vulnerable sector Criminal Record Check;
- Can commit to all sessions and homework of the 35 hour in-person weekend training program, including: 5x 3.5hour Saturday training sessions; two-day weekend Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training; and at least 6 hours of homework reading and practice;
- Minimum one-year recovery from a personal suicide attempt, intense suicidal ideation, and/or the suicide death or attempt of a significant individual;
- Actively practice self-care and have personal supports available in order to manage volunteering responsibilities;
- Can contribute a $200 training deposit. Upon completion of the volunteering commitment (below), volunteers receive half of their deposit back. Some flexibility is available if this poses a barrier;
- Can commit to volunteering a minimum of 45 hours outside of training, which works out to facilitating an average of 3 in-school daytime workshops a month, over the course of one school calendar year (September to June);
- A commitment to the NEED2 mission, vision, and values, including a demonstrated commitment to deepening lifelong learning on topics around mental health, suicide prevention, and social justice;
- Have an interest in working with youth, education/teaching, and/or mental health issues;
- Demonstrated confidence with skills around responsibility, detail-orientation, and organisation;
- Demonstrated comfort working in a group setting during training, and co-facilitating workshops with another volunteer or staff member
Benefits to Volunteering:
- Comprehensive skills & knowledge based training, including ASIST certification
- Hands on experience with facilitation & teaching and working with youth
- Understand and build confidence in discussing the realities and myths of suicide prevention & mental health issues
- Join a strong community of diverse people committed to changing the way suicide is discussed and prevented in our communities
- Personal development and growth
- Access to volunteer-only opportunities, including jobs, events, and additional training
- A reference upon request
For any questions about volunteering or training, please reach out to education@need2.ca.
Education at NEED2 