The Care to Speak program is a partnership between SafeCare BC and the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division, proudly supported by the BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.
The Care to Speak Peer Support Program provides those in British Columbia an open, judgement-free space to discuss stressors, problems, or concerns that our healthcare or social service workers are having in the sector. This confidential service is available to anyone working in British Columbia via telephone, text message, and online chat.
With the program’s continued success and funding by the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, we are happy to announce that Care to Speak has expanded its hours. Care to Speak will now support those working in the social services and health care sector five days a week: Monday through Friday from 10 am-2 pm and 5 pm-9 pm Pacific Time.
People will be connected with a trained peer supporter who has worked in front-line healthcare or the social services sector who has experience working in these sectors and understands the hardships and tolls one’s mental health can take while providing others support.
With a growing number of people experiencing a decline in their mental health, society is becoming better equipped to respond to our needs. However, the stigma around mental illness and seeking help remains, especially when talking about individuals working in a giving and supporting profession, like the healthcare and the social service sectors.
“Now more than ever, we are shown the importance of good mental health. I appreciate the Care to Speak program and what it offers the healthcare community in terms of a supportive and safe place to go when the struggles of our day-to-day work become too much, and we need a safe and anonymous place to talk about what is troubling us. It is rewarding to help fellow healthcare colleagues, especially when we have shared and experienced similar circumstances and can easily empathize. Allowing another person to feel understood should never be underestimated in its power to heal and help.” – Pamela Schultz, Peer Support Volunteer.
“It is an honor to support and sustain the well-being of health care and social support staff during these challenging times! I appreciate being part of all the resilient efforts to support those who support the well-being of our communities.” – Esther Gundey.
“The Care to Speak team is always recruiting remote peer support volunteers and finds it an absolute pleasure to train members of our community to help support their peers.” Harjinder Janda, Care to Speak Coordinator.
Fall training begins in September 2022, so visit caretospeak.ca to submit your volunteer application today.
To access Care to Speak and get support: Call or Text 1-866-802-7337 (PEER) Or Chat online
Care to Speak is available Monday through Friday from 10 am-2 pm and Monday through Friday from 5 pm-9 pm Pacific Time.