GLCS – in praise of volunteers
National Volunteer Week is nearly upon us, and I鈥檝e been reflecting on the amazing contribution volunteers make to our community and to GLCS.
Most organisations have volunteers who help them run, either for specific events or for their general op
eration. Volunteers give up time, energy and effort to help others and with a willingness to be skilled up to do so.
It鈥檚 quite a commitment. It鈥檚 not just the time spent doing the work, it鈥檚 also the responsibility taken to be skilled up to hear some sometimes really difficult things. GLCS volunteers are willing to be a friend to someone they鈥檝e never met.
Since the early days of Phone-a-friend, all GLCS counsellors have been volunteers. Without volunteers, there would be no GLCS.
We have 28 counselling shifts per week that need to be filled to receive up to 150 calls per month. If it weren鈥檛 for our volunteers, that鈥檚 150 people a month who would not have someone to listen to them, someone to advise them, someone to care.
Along with our volunteer phone counsellors, our group facilitators are also volunteers. They work together closely to develop new groups and realise solid ideas for existing groups.
It鈥檚 been wonderful to see the ongoing growth of the Women鈥檚 Coming Out Group and the establishment of the new Men鈥檚 Talking It Out group. What I鈥檝e enjoyed best about the group development is seeing this wonderful group of volunteer facilitators work and grow together and get something positive out of volunteering.
Not everyone can volunteer, but if you think you can, it鈥檚 definitely worthwhile. Our volunteer counsellors are available to take your calls every evening from 5.30-9.30pm on 02 8594 9596 or 1800 184 527 (regional freecall). Lesbian Line is open Mondays 5.30鈥�9.30pm on 02 8594 9595 or 1800 144 527 (regional freecall).
info: Visit www.glcsnsw.org.au or email [email protected] or call 02 8594 9500.
By ASHA ZAPPA, GLCS Admin Assistant
