Get Involved
Ways To Get Involved in Suicide Prevention
Become a Peer Health Educator
Students who are passionate about the well-being of their campus community are welcome to join PULSE. Professional Health Education staff train volunteers as Peer Health Educators that promote healthy behaviors and wellness among all members of the Cal Poly community. This hands-on experience provides an opportunity to explore sectors of Public Health, gain knowledge on current behavioral health trends, enhance interpersonal and leadership skills, develop competencies for creating, implementing, and evaluating programs, and learn effective marketing strategies. PULSE programs consist of wellness workshops, presentations, coaching sessions, and educational outreach to the Cal Poly campus.
Learn more at: https://chw.calpoly.edu/wellbeing/pulse-teams
Volunteer for the Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line is a non-profit organization that provides free, live responses via text to anyone in crisis who texts 741-741. There is a minimum 4 hour per week commitment for one year. You must be 18 years old, have access to a computer with a secure internet connection, and pass the background check and training process. See CrisisTextline.org for more information.
Volunteer for the SLO Hotline
SLO Hotline, a program of Transitions-Mental Health Association, has volunteer and internship opportunities for anyone age 18 to 80 who is interested in helping others.
SLO Hotline volunteers form the core of TMHA's service to the community. As a SLO Hotline volunteer, you will be trained to help staff the County’s only 24-hour emotional and mental health support and crisis hotline, making a difference in the lives of youth, seniors, individuals, and families. Volunteers learn the skills to effectively listen, offer encouragement, suggest appropriate mental health resources, and defuse crisis situations. Volunteers also gain knowledge of mental health topics and receive training to be resource specialists.
Minimum Requirements- 18 years or older
- Provide valid ID, have fingerprints live-scanned, and receive a criminal record clearance satisfactory to TMHA’s insurance carrier
- Strong interpersonal skills, oral/written communication skills, and collaborative work style to effectively assist a variety of people and personality types regardless of ethnic, racial or religious background, or socio-economic level
- Be reliable and have the ability to work independently
- Possess the ability to use reasonable precautions when performing duties and adhere to all safety rules and practices in the workplace
Training
The Call Handler training includes 32 hours of training classes followed by additional mentoring. After the training is completed, the expected minimum volunteer commitment is 4 hours per week for one year (or 8 hours per week for six months), as well as one after-hours shift per month. Call Handlers also commit to attending continuing education and skills training once per quarter at in-service meetings. Volunteer schedules are flexible. We will work with you to set your schedule!
Visit the TMHA website to fill out and submit a volunteer application form.
For more information about program opportunities with the Hotline, please call (805) 540-6564 or email the Community Resource Coordinator.
Volunteers needed for non-telephone work: SLO Hotline is also looking for volunteers or interns to assist with general administrative duties, which include standard office duties. Shifts are available weekdays and this non-paying position is available on a volunteer basis only. This is a great chance to give something back to your community.
