Call Volumes to our Helplines in 2009
In 2009 Christian Helplines that were part of the CHA received nearly 200,000 calls. Between us we have over 500 staff and volunteers working on our helplines. The vast majority of this 500 are volunteers.
The Call Share project on 0845 33 77 789 received 13,506 calls in 2009. This totalled 63609 minutes of contact time with callers that is the equivalent of over 176 days when yo consider we are only open 6 hours a day. We answered 71% of the calls we received.
Press Release from CHA: Thursday 25th February 2010
25th February 2010
The Christian Helplines Association (CHA), that represents 7 major Christian Helplines/Prayerlines in the UK would like to reassure all our callers following the recent publicity that has been generated as a result of the breach of confidentiality by the National Bullying Helpline.
John Pither, Chair of the CHA, said “All people who contact our helplines/prayerlines can continue to be confident that we can be trusted and are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all who call us”.
Further information about the CHA can be found on our web site at www.christianhelplines.co.uk.
The Christian Helplines Association consists of 7 Christian Helplines/Prayerlines that work together – Serving Jesus Christ by Serving the People who Call Us. The members are Crossline Coventry, Crossline Hull, Crossline Plymouth, Crossline Scunthorpe & District, Nationwide Christian Trust, Premier Lifeline and UCB Prayerline.
Core Training for Christian Helplines
A 20 hour course accredited by the Association of Christian Counsellors is avaialble to provide core training in telephone listening skills for working on a Christian Helpline in the UK. The outline of the course is 3 modules on Telephone Listening Skills, 1 module on Telephone Boundaries, 3 Modules on Call Handling that covers Mental Health, Relationships, Loneliness, Sharing ones Faith.
The CHA is keen to hear from groups in current or new locations where a Christian Helpline is established or being planned. Courses can be delivered for about £30 per participant depending on location and the time frame of the course.
For more information contact John Pither on 02476 615 931 or email: john@covcitymission.org.uk
December 1st 2008 - Crossline Plymouth have joined with Call Sharing through 0845 33 77 789 from today. This now means that 5 Christian Helplines are working together to provide a listening ear in the UK.
12th August 2008 - Update on use of CHA Phone Line
The last 3 months has seen a marked increase in the number of individual callers using the national Call Share number to seek help. In July we had at least 50 different callers to the line. This included a caller from overseas. The overall numbers of calls received remains around 600 a month of which about 70% are being answered.
Christian Helplines Association Policy Documents
Summary of Advantages of Moving towards Call Sharing