About Us
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 and chat support Thursday – Sunday from 5 pm-9 pm. You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. You are not alone.
Alyssa Christmas, Program Manager – alyssa.christmas@cmhavernon.ca
Emily Hollenbach, Program Coordinator- emily.hollenbach@cmhavernon.ca
Jessica Both, Program Assistant – jessica.both@cmhavernon.ca
Need Help?
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
Online Support
Picking up the phone can be challenging and uncomfortable and we get that. We encourage you to use our online Crisis Chat. Crisis Chat is available from 5pm – 9pm Thursday through Sunday. You can access Crisis Chat below.
How does Crisis Chat work?
Crisis Chat serves anyone located in the Interior of British Columbia, in any type of crisis, providing access to free emotional support and referrals when appropriate via a confidential chat service. View our terms and conditions here.
Steps to Get Started
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Click on our green “Online” image located above (purple when offline) during our hours of operation to launch a chat.
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A trained volunteer Crisis Responder will receive the chat and respond through our secure, confidential online platform.
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The volunteer Crisis Responder will offer empowering emotional support to help you through the crisis.
The Details
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Before speaking to a Crisis Responder you will be invited to share some basic information (you can chose to chat anonymously).
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Depending on the volume of incoming interactions you may experience a wait to be connected with a Crisis Responder.
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The Crisis Responder is a trained volunteer not a counsellor, thus we are not able to provide advice.
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Crisis Responders only have one conversation at a time, so it is important to respond in a timely manner or your conversation may be ended.
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When you are connected with a Crisis Responder they will introduce themselves and invite you to share your story.
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The Crisis Responder will help you sort through your feelings by asking questions, empathizing, and actively listening.
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When the conversation is over, you’ll receive an optional survey about your experience. This helps us help you and others like you!
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.
Volunteer
Volunteering on the crisis line is a rewarding experience. We offer an opportunity to learn new and useful skills as well as an opportunity to be involved in a “front line” helping environment. Many people find our program very useful for developing marketable skills and for 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.
The next training sessions will be held:
Spring 2020
Tuesday March 10, 17, 24, and 31 4 pm-8:30 pm
Thursday March 12, 19, and 26 4 pm-8:30 pm
Thursday April 2 4 pm – 8:30 pm
Summer 2020
Monday July 13 – Friday July 17th 8:30 am – 5 pm
Fall 2020
Saturday October 10 and 17 8:30 pm – 5 pm
Sunday October 11 and 18 8:30 am – 5 pm
Thursday October 22 4 pm – 8:30 pm
The fee for training is $75.00. This fee contributes to the cost of printed materials and other costs associated with conducting a 40+ hour training program.
The training fee is never a barrier to volunteering, please let us know if this is a concern for you.
You can apply to volunteer in by clicking on the volunteer application filling it out and submitting it. A crisis line program staff person will contact you within three business days. Or, call the office for more information.
