Three women who combined have given 70 years of service to the community were recognised for their outstanding contribution by Lifeline South Coast at their National Volunteers Week event on May 13.

Joan Bell has volunteered at Lifeline for more than 31 years, while University of Wollongong Associate Professor Audrey Wilson and Ros Clare both became volunteers in 1996.

Ms Clare has also served with the National Domestic Violence helpline, as well as helping train new volunteers for the local service, and said she was honoured to be recognised by her peers.

"I believe so strongly in the value of the Lifeline service and the role we play in suicide prevention. As a volunteer, it is rewarding to know you have genuinely connected with someone and helped them to rethink the decision to end their life," Ms Clare said.

Ms Wilson is one of the longest-serving active Volunteer Crisis Supporters.

"It's been almost 20 years since I trained with Lifeline South Coast," she said.

At that time I didn't know how to deal with people who were having problems so I started volunteering. There is a big need out there for a service like Lifeline, sometimes people just need someone who will listen."

Joan Bell has lived in Wollongong for 61 years and has been volunteering at Lifeline South Coast's warehouse for more than half her life.

"I started with Lifeline South Coast because I wanted to help people in our community" Ms Bell said.

"The warehouse was in Market Street then, and I would do a few days a week. Now I just go in one day per week, and so enjoy catching up with other volunteers and doing my bit to help Lifeline."

Lifeline South Coast executive director, Grahame Gould said that, without these dedicated volunteers, Lifeline would not be able to do the vital work it does.

Information: lifelinesouthcoast.org.au