THE Lifeline call centre in Bathurst is helping provide assurance during a time of upheaval and uncertainty.
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Because the charity's call centre in Sydney has fewer operators due to COVID restrictions, the Bathurst centre is shouldering more of the load.
Lifeline Central West's Bathurst centre supervisor Astrid Taylor said the local volunteers are doing a great job.
"Lifeline's major call centres in Sydney and Melbourne are understaffed because of the stay-at-home orders," she said.
"For example, instead of having 10 phones being answered, they might only be able to cope with five operators.
"This means call centres in Bathurst such as Lifeline Central West are having to take up the slack and fill the gap.
"Everyone is doing extra and we can't thank them enough."
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Member for Bathurst Paul Toole praised the dedication of the local volunteers.
He said they are fielding phone calls from people from across Australia reaching out for Lifeline counselling during these unprecedented times.
Mr Toole said about 80 per cent of the calls are COVID related.
"People are frightened. Loneliness is on the increase and people are unsure of what's around the corner due to this pandemic," he said.
Mr Toole said Lifeline Central West is getting ready for its next intake of new volunteers from August 16 who will undergo specialist training before starting to take calls.
Those who would like to become a Lifeline volunteer are asked to contact Astrid Taylor at ataylor@lifelinecentralwest.org.au