By Shaurnet Mason
Special to the Express
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services of Yolo County (SPYC) will hold a seven-week crisis line volunteer training beginning Jan. 31 to March 7.
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 36-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.
Those interested in applying are asked to 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.
The Winter 2023 interview period is now through Jan. 25. The application deadline is Jan. 23. Applications submitted after the date will be retained for the next training session.
Training dates are scheduled for:
Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 6–9 p.m. (in person)
Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6–9 p.m. (virtual)
Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 6–9 p.m. (in person)
Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6–9 p.m. (virtual)
Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 6–9 p.m. (in person)
Thursday, Feb. 16 from 6–9 p.m. (virtual)
Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 6–9 p.m. (in person)
Thursday, Feb. 23 from 6–9 p.m. (virtual)
Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 6–9 p.m. (in person)
Thursday, March 2 from 6–9 p.m. (virtual)
Tuesday, March 7 from 6–9 p.m. (in person)
To apply, visit www.SuicidePreventionYoloCounty.org to download and complete a volunteer application. Applications should be emailed back to SPYC at spyc@sbcglobal.net. For questions or additional information, please call the SPYC business office at 530-756-7542.
