Five more volunteers have graduated to boost the number of helpers who monitor a vital 24/7, 365 days a year, crisis hotline for the Women's Resource Centre.

They will now become part of a team which provides a vital source of support, comfort and advice to emotionally distressed women, some on the verge of suicide and others who are the victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

The hotline volunteers who were honoured at an event on Monday, which also marked the graduation of the new team members, take it in turns each week to monitor a 24/7 telephone number, diverted to their home, which they respond to whatever the hour.

"Volunteers take calls for one whole week at a time, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 a.m.," explained Sherrie Outerbridge, office administrator for the Women's Resource Centre.

"They deal with the calls, which can be anything from someone contemplating suicide, to wanting someone to converse with or advice on how to get out of a situation at home. We also refer clients to other services, as deemed," said Ms Outerbridge.

The number of calls to the centre varies from week-to-week and sometime depending on what time of the year it is. The current economic downturn has also created another source of struggle for some callers.

"Sometimes we can get no calls during a week. Sometimes a person will not call until they have been abused 32 times," said Ms Outerbridge.

The volunteers undergo extensive training so they are able to cope with the turmoil they experience as they help others.

The Women's Resource Centre's programme is sponsored this year by Hiscox Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd.

The five new crisis hotline graduates are Kelly Savery, Bernadette Saliba, Gloria Dill, Leiah Tuzo, and Mandy Finn. They, together with the other volunteers and programme facilitator Dr. Sharon Apopa, were amongst those thanked at the evening ceremony held at the Centre on Monday.

• The Women's Resource Centre's main number is 295-3882. The crisis hotline is 295-7273.