True or False: Volunteers working at crisis hotlines are generally ineffective in helping people.

Volunteers working at crisis hotlines can be very effective in helping people for several reasons. First, many crisis hotlines provide comprehensive training to their volunteers, equipping them with essential skills to handle sensitive situations. This training typically includes active listening, empathy, de-escalation techniques, and guidance on how to appropriately respond to a variety of crises.

Additionally, volunteers often bring valuable life experiences and perspectives that can resonate with callers, creating a sense of understanding and connection. The non-judgmental space that volunteers provide can encourage individuals in crisis to express their feelings and concerns openly, which is crucial for effective intervention.

It is also important to consider that many hotline services have structured support systems in place, including access to supervision and additional resources, which further enhances the effectiveness of the volunteers. Thus, asserting that they are generally ineffective overlooks the positive impact they can have as trained and empathetic listeners in crisis situations.