A trip to Zambia was Lara Watson’s first foray into volunteering. She had just turned 18 and chose to defer university for a year to teach children in Zambia.

​“I’d always wanted to do my bit to make the world a better place. I’m a Christian so serving others, helping people thrive and spreading love is a big part of my faith.”

She returned from Zambia and began studying psychology at Canterbury University. Having long aspired to be a buddy for Kidsline, she was excited to discover Youthline at the Student Volunteer Expo and for the last two years has been volunteering as a solo phone counsellor and mentor to new trainees.

“Lara throws herself into anything extra that’s going - staffing our outreach stalls, coming to every counselling skills extension training, developing training resources, and representing us at a Youth Workers hui”, says Youthline Central South Island Manager Trystan Swain.

Now 21, Lara’s dream is to one day become a Clinical Psychologist and she says Youthline is helping to pave that path.

“It’s a very competitive field to get into but Youthline has given me so much experience. It’s made me realise that I want it even more.”

That experience was tested on 15 March 2019 when two mosques in Christchurch came under terrorist attack during Friday prayer.

“I was booked in for a shift that night, and my trainee and I were the only volunteers rostered on across New Zealand. We cancelled our shift as we didn't feel safe going into the office across town, and were understandably emotional. I asked our centre manager to contact the other managers across NZ to try to rally up some volunteers from other cities, and in a matter of an hour or so the roster was full right up until we closed our regular service at midnight! It amazed me the level of support I felt from other Youthliners.”

Lara wants young people to know that that level of support is there for them too.

“We actually do want to talk to you and listen to you. It can seem a bit anonymous and weird calling into a helpline but we’re not robots, we’re people. I feel so honoured when someone tells me they haven’t told anyone else or share their stories and experiences that carry so much hurt. It’s so brave.”

One of the most rewarding moments of Lara’s Youthline career was making her first suicide intervention, not long after going solo.

“He said he wanted to be safe, but didn’t know how. He shared a lot of his emotions with me and revealed his plans to end his life. He called in with his husband so I just kept affirming that, that he really cared about his husband and his husband cared about him. We were able to make a new plan for them to drive to the nearest A&E. They were both so grateful to me for keeping him safe.”

Lara says Youthline has taught her how to listen.

“When you think about counselling you might think it’s someone telling you what to do and giving you advice. But being a good counsellor is actually just being alongside someone and listening to them. Not a wise guide, but a listener, a friend. This is something I’ve taken into my own relationships.”

​If you'd like to volunteer with us, click here to get started!

Mac Jordan is a self-described altruist.

​“My main interest in volunteering is that there is no ulterior motive. For me, it’s about providing value. The act in itself is rewarding enough. Stopping someone from ending their life is a very powerful thing to do.”

The 23 year old Psychology and Fine Arts Honours student has volunteered for Youthline Auckland Central for the last 2 and a half years. He recently joined the facilitator team and mentors every week, providing support and feedback for trainees on the helpline.

It’s been hugely rewarding to be able to strengthen others, provide support so they can grow, and deliver feedback in a way that further facilitates that growth.”

Mac says that growth is vital to meeting demand and providing excellent service.  

“Youth suicide rates in New Zealand are absurd, particularly among Maori and Pasifika. Based on personal experience clients do seem to respond really well to us.”

But, he says, having enough volunteers is a constant challenge. Youthline and the volunteer sector in general need more people willing to put their hand up.

“The tricky thing about Mental Health is that it’s naturally uncomfortable. You’re constantly out of your comfort zone. It’s like being a firefighter sitting in your truck waiting for a fire. And it can make you feel anxious.”

And that’s why self care, and good mentoring is vital.

“We need to have enough volunteers, facilitators and mentors to ensure we continue to provide a good service. Volunteering for a Helpline can be intimidating, but the training process is extensive and the Youthline community are incredibly supportive. Youthline is an environment for growth and challenge is opportunity.”

​​If you'd like to volunteer with us, click here to get started!

This week is National Volunteer Week 2019. It celebrates the “collective contribution of the 1.2 million volunteers who enrich Aotearoa New Zealand”. 

Hundreds of volunteers across New Zealand help make Youthline what it is. They give their time in the office, at events, on our Governance Boards, and through our Youth Advisory Groups. 

250 of those volunteers give their time, energy and best listening ears to Youthline as Helpline Counsellors and for that we are super proud and thankful! We know that without them, there would be no Youthline.  

Last year our volunteers collectively spent 12,137 hours in our Hubs standing alongside young Kiwis, reflecting, affirming and helping them grow. 

“More than 60% of our Helpline is staffed by volunteers, by members of our community who want to give their time to connect with young people when they need it most, it absolutely blows me away. National Volunteer Week is always a time for me to pause and reflect on how lucky we are as an organisation, and as communities, that we are surrounded by such giving individuals,” says Youthline CEO Shae Ronald. 

To mark the occasion we have chosen to celebrate four outstanding volunteers from around the country.

​A trip to Zambia was Lara Watson’s first foray into volunteering. She had just turned 18 and chose to defer university for a year to teach children in Zambia.

Lara volunteers for Youthline in Christchurch. 

“Lara throws herself into anything extra that’s going - staffing our outreach stalls, coming to every counselling skills extension training, developing training resources, and representing us at a Youth Workers hui”, says Youthline Central South Island Manager Trystan Swain.

Now 21, Lara’s dream is to one day become a Clinical Psychologist and she says Youthline is helping to pave that path.

“It’s a very competitive field to get into but Youthline has given me so much experience. It’s made me realise that I want it even more.”

That experience was tested on 15 March 2019 when two mosques in Christchurch came under terrorist attack during Friday prayer. 

“I was booked in for a shift that night, and my trainee and I were the only volunteers rostered on across New Zealand. We cancelled our shift as we didn't feel safe going into the office across town, and were understandably emotional. I asked our centre manager to contact the other managers across NZ to try to rally up some volunteers from other cities, and in a matter of an hour or so the roster was full right up until we closed our regular service at midnight! It amazed me the level of support I felt from other Youthliners.”

Lara wants young people to know that that level of support is there for them too.

​Youthline volunteer Linda Vernon knows how it feels to be unhappy.

“In my late teens and early 20s I had a really difficult time with my mental health, and struggled with depression and anxiety. Through my recovery I had this idea of giving service to my community - that it would be beneficial for me and my wellbeing. And I liked the idea of counselling and helping people.”

But although Linda knew Youthline was there, she had never used the helpline herself.

“I think because of the kind of space I was in, I felt like no one would understand me. I was scared to reach out, like a lot of young people - because they don’t know what to expect or they think they’re going to be told what to do or told that they’re crazy. I wish that I had known how client centred Youthline is. We don’t tell people who contact us what to do or how to live their lives or how they should feel, we’re actually there for them.”

​Volunteering is in Marea Nicolle’s blood.

Her grandparents volunteered for Lifeline in Invercargill in the 1980s and her parents, both teachers, regularly cared for foster children alongside three of their own.

The 37 year old learning and development coach has been volunteering for Youthline since she was 21, and is Youthline Wellington’s longest serving Group Supervisor.

“I’d heard great things about the organisation and was passionate about supporting young people and making a difference. I felt like there was something missing in my life. I wanted to be part of a community.”

And Marea says that’s exactly what Youthline is. 

​Mac Jordan is a self-described altruist.

“My main interest in volunteering is that there is no ulterior motive. For me, it’s about providing value. The act in itself is rewarding enough. Stopping someone from ending their life is a very powerful thing to do.”
 
The 23 year old Psychology and Fine Arts Honours student has volunteered for Youthline Auckland Central for the last 2 and a half years. He recently joined the facilitator team and mentors every week, providing support and feedback for trainees on the helpline.

It’s been hugely rewarding to be able to strengthen others, provide support so they can grow, and deliver feedback in a way that further facilitates that growth.”

Mac says that growth is vital to meeting demand and providing excellent service.  

“Youth suicide rates in New Zealand are absurd, particularly among Maori and Pasifika. Based on personal experience clients do seem to respond really well to us.”