By Serena Durand
Special to the Express
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services of Yolo County (SPYC) will hold a six-week crisis line volunteer training beginning March 1through April 5.
Crisis line volunteers play a role in saving the lives of Yolo County residents; when they join the dedicated team of volunteers who answer the phones at SPYC, they become the first point of human contact in the steps toward mental health.
Volunteers undergo a 40-plus hour training program in which they develop the skills needed to address issues of depression, suicide, family relationship conflicts, and mental illness. Initially, volunteers commit to serving six hours per week with a one-year service commitment upon successful completion of the training program. Volunteers have been, and continue to be, the backbone of SPYC. Quality training provides volunteers with the opportunity to participate in the increased well-being not only of themselves, but of those in their community.
SPYC will be interviewing prospective volunteers until Feb. 17 and will accept applications for this training up until Feb.15. Those interested in applying are asked to please review the training dates listed below to ensure they will be able to attend each training date; there are no make-ups, and all potential volunteers are required to attend each training, on time, and for the full duration. Applicants must be at least 20 years old. Training will be conducted virtually but all crisis line shifts must be taken in-office.
Spring 2022
Interview period: Jan. 17 to Feb. 17
Application Deadline: Feb. 15
(Applications submitted after this date will be retained for the next training session)
* Tuesday, March 1: 6 to 9 p.m.
* Thursday, March 3: 6 to 9 p.m.
* Tuesday, March 8: 6 to 9 p.m.
* Thursday, March 10: 6 to 9 p.m.
* Tuesday, March 15: 6 to 9 p.m.
* Thursday, March 17: 6 to 9 p.m.
* Tuesday, March 22: 6 to 9 p.m.
* Thursday, March 24: 6 to 9 p.m.
* Tuesday, March 29: 6 to 9 p.m.
* Thursday, March 31: 6 to 9 p.m.
* Tuesday, April 5: 6 to 9 p.m.
To apply, visit www.SuicidePreventionYoloCounty.org to download and complete a volunteer application. Applications can be mailed or emailed back to SPYC. For questions or additional information, please call the SPYC business office at 530-756-7542.
