I did this in Boston back in the 1980s. At that time there was a shortage, but nevertheless they screened us and trained us and provided support services to us. No mobile phones; I would go there two evenings a week (we were all volunteers).
I did this first at my school, MIT (which didn't thank goodness, get suicide calls when I was there though there were suicides and we did get calls about the consequences) and later for the Boston area, where we did get actual suicide calls. I recently learned that MIT had shut down the service -- I don't know why.
If you're interested just look on the web for suicide prevention hotline and you'll find the name of an organization in your area. I don't if they still use volunteers or what these days. My experience is 30 years old.
I did this first at my school, MIT (which didn't thank goodness, get suicide calls when I was there though there were suicides and we did get calls about the consequences) and later for the Boston area, where we did get actual suicide calls. I recently learned that MIT had shut down the service -- I don't know why.
If you're interested just look on the web for suicide prevention hotline and you'll find the name of an organization in your area. I don't if they still use volunteers or what these days. My experience is 30 years old.