Crisis Line
Are you having a bad day? Worried about a loved one? Stressed or anxious? Having thoughts of suicide? Feeling isolated? Our crisis line responders are here for you 24/7 if you need someone to talk to. All of our support is confidential and non-judgmental. You are not alone. 24/7 phone support is available at 1-888-353-2273.
- About the Crisis Line
- Confidentiality
- Upcoming Crisis Line Trainings
- Crisis Line Volunteer Application
- Crisis Line Volunteer Equipment Requirements
- Dispelling Crisis Line Myths
About the Crisis Line
The Vernon site of the Interior Crisis Line has provided free crisis support to our community and the BC interior since 1975. We offer 24/7 telephone support. You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. You are not alone.
The crisis line program supports callers from within British Columbia via the following services:
• The Interior Crisis Line Network – 1-888-353-2273
• The Provincial Mental Health Line – 310-6789 (no area code needed)
• The Provincial Suicide Line – 1-800-784-2433 (SUICIDE)
From across Canada via:
Talk Suicide – 1-833-456-4566 (service is available anywhere in Canada) Text service is available 11:00am to 11:00pm PST (2:00am to 2:00pm EST)
Confidentiality
All calls are confidential and private unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or someone else. Also, we have a legal duty to report any actual or suspected child abuse or neglect.
Cohort C Upcoming Crisis Line Trainings
Volunteering on the crisis line is a rewarding experience. We offer an opportunity to learn new and valuable skills and be involved in a “front line” helping environment. Many people find our program useful for developing marketable skills and exploring education options. The demand on our service is growing substantially, and working on our crisis lines is a way to make a real difference in the community.
“I originally joined the Crisis Line because members of my family had struggled with mental health and thoughts of suicide, and I wanted to make sure that there would be somewhere people like them could turn to in times of need. I thought it was a good way to give back to my community, but I didn’t expect how much I would personally gain from it. In addition to training on mental health issues and a sense of fulfillment from supporting others, I feel I have become a much better listener in my personal and professional lives, I have gained skills in motivational interviewing, I feel calmer in stressful situations, and I feel so much more grateful for all of the wonderful people I am lucky to have in my life. I have rarely worked with a more supportive and dedicated team of staff and volunteers. It is a privilege to be trusted to support callers in their darkest moments, and one I am grateful to have”. –Current volunteer (2020)
Training sessions are offered in set cohorts and all dates must be attended.
Sessions are offered virtually, while practical training is possible virtually or in-person onsite. Once in class training is complete, practical training sessions are offered on a flexible timetable.
There are additional training requirements including self-led and peer-study that will be scheduled outside of the timetable below.
You can apply to volunteer by filling it out the Crisis Line Volunteer application form. A crisis line program staff person will contact you within three business days.
2024 Cohort Training Dates:
Cohort A
Saturday, February 3rd 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, February 4th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, February 10th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, February 11th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, February 24th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, February 25th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, March 2nd 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, March 3rd 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, March 9th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday March 10th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Cohort B
Monday, April 15th 9:30-3:30PM
Tuesday, April 16th 9:30-3:30PM
Wednesday, April 17th 9:30-3:30PM
Thursday, April 18th 9:30-3:30PM
Friday, April 19th 9:30-3:30PM
Monday, April 22nd 9:30-3:30PM
Tuesday, April 23rd 9:30-3:30PM
Wednesday, April 24th 9:30-3:30PM
Thursday, April 25th 9:30-3:30PM
Friday, April 26th 9:30-3:30PM
Cohort C
Tuesday, May 21st 10:00AM-3:00PM
Thursday, May 23rd 10:00AM-3:00PM
Tuesday, May 28th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Thursday, May 30th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Tuesday, June 4th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Thursday, June 6th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Tuesday, June 11th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Thursday, June 13th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Tuesday, June 18th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Thursday, June 20th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Cohort D
Monday, July 15th 12:00-4:00PM
Wednesday, July 17th 12:00-4:00PM
Monday, July 22nd 12:00-4:00PM
Wednesday, July 24th 12:00-4:00PM
Monday, July 29th 12:00-4:00PM
Wednesday, July 31st 12:00-4:00PM
Wednesday, August 7th 12:00-4:00PM
Monday, August 12th 12:00-4:00PM
Wednesday, August 14th 12:00-4:00PM
Cohort E
Saturday, October 5th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, October 6th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, October 19th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, October 20th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, October 26th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, October 27th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, November 2nd 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, November 3rd 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, November 16th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, November 17th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Crisis Line Volunteer Application
The demand on our service is growing substantially and working on our crisis lines is a way to make a real difference in the community. Each time you answer the phone, you know you’ve made a difference.
You can apply to volunteer by filling it out the Crisis Line Volunteer application form. A crisis line program staff person will contact you within three business days. If you would like more information please call 250-542-3114 ext. 236
Crisis Line Volunteer Equipment Requirements
Please note: We ask that you do not submit equipment deposit payment until you have connected with a Crisis Line Program Coordinator.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Crisis Line Responder. Volunteering with the Crisis Line is a tangible way to give back to your community by filling a very real need in the lives of others through listening and providing empowering support. Each time you answer the phone or respond to a chat, you know you’ve made a difference.
The equipment deposit fees will be refunded once the equipment is returned. The deposit fee is never a barrier to volunteering, please let us know if this is a concern for you.
Dispelling Crisis Line Myths
Myth #1: I must be experiencing thoughts of suicide to reach out to a crisis line.
Anyone experiencing a crisis can reach out to the ICLN 24/7 for support from trained crisis line responders.
Crisis is different for everyone and could include things like isolation, domestic violence, relationship issues, concern for a someone else, bereavement, anxiety, self-harm, or other mental illness-related concerns.
There are two services available in BC dedicated to suicide prevention that are answered within our site: 1-800-SUICIDE and the National service TALK Suicide (1-833-456-4566)
Myth #2: If I mention that I’m suicidal, they’ll send the police to my location.
The goal of crisis line services is to work collaboratively with service users to de-escalate and ensure safety.
Emergency services (i.e. police) are called in a very small percentage of calls and most of these calls are made with the consent of the service user. Emergency services may be called without consent when there is an imminent risk of harm to the service user and they are unable or unwilling to plan for safety.
Police are required to attend mental health related calls prior to paramedics to ensure the situation is safe.
Myth #3: Crisis lines are only for emergencies
Crisis looks and feels different for everyone. If you are going through a hard time, reach out!
Crisis lines are not a substitute for therapy, emergency, or professional care. However, we may be able to connect you with helpful resources in your community.
Myth #4: Crisis Lines are only for adult service users
Although there are crisis lines specifically designed for children and youth (i.e. Kids Help phone), Interior Crisis Line responders are trained to support people of all ages. That includes seniors too!
Myth # 5: If I call who knows that I called?
When you call into the Interior Crisis Line your conversation is kept confidential unless you are risk to yourself or others. Responders are trained to respect the privacy and confidentiality of all service users.
Myth #6: I can only reach out to the Interior Crisis Line via phone call.
You can also connect with the Interior Crisis Line via online chat Thursday – Sunday from 5-9pm. You can access Crisis Chat here.
So, what does happen when you reach out to the Interior Crisis Line?
When you call the Interior Crisis Line (1-888-353-2273) you will hear an automated message with additional information while your call is being connected to an available crisis line responder. You may hear some music while you are waiting for a crisis line responder. Once you are connected the crisis line responder will listen, provide emotional support and resources when appropriate.
It is free to reach out to us.
Our crisis line responders are trained and caring individuals from our communities who are there to help you work through your crisis. Most of our crisis line responders are volunteers. No matter who you reach, you’ll be in great hands. The crisis line responder will listen, help you de-escalate your situation, and if needed connect provide you with other resources.