Humans of Lifeline —Lifeline Digital Volunteer Crisis Supporter
Sonny Tuapola
“Before I start my shift, I like to play my Tibetan singing bowl… and when I finish, I play it again. It helps me reset and turns my house back into my home.”
What do you do for self-care?
The mantra is about starting your day in the dark and come out of the shadows. We meet at 440 and start our run at 5am. It's a 10km loop circuit of Bronte Beach car park. As you're running, the sun's coming up. You feel the energy going into you and being with a hundred or a hundred and fifty people just amplifies that feeling. Having all that is just amazing.
I clear my mind so I can help others. Ruby, my Boston terrier is a big part of that as well. She tells me when to take a break. She's right next to me when I'm chatting with my help seekers. Under my desk, next to my feet is her happy place. She can feel the energy going on.
Before I start my shift, I like to play my Tibetan singing bowl. It's part of my ritual before and after my shift: I play it before I start, and when I finish, I play it again. It helps me reset and turns my house back into my home.
It's been amazing to volunteer. I've learned so much, dealing with a lot of interactions from our help seekers. I've met some amazing people through Lifeline. The care framework, the support from my team leader, Andrew, and also from our in-shift supervisors who look after you when you first start your shift and guide you and help you if there's any escalations, has just been amazing.
Human Stories
The Humans of Lifeline
These Humans support lifeline in their own unique way, to ensure that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.
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