CRISIS LINE – 1-888-353-2273
On the Crisis Line we C.A.R.E
Confidential
Accessible
Research-based
Empowering
The Crisis Line is a free 24/7 phone support and referral service. Our commitment is to provide confidential and non-judgmental emotional support for those in need.
How we can help
People call with a variety of concerns…
Emotional support, crisis intervention, depression, isolation, suicide, addiction concerns, family and relationship issues, grief, health concerns, abuse, mental health, sexuality, legal, financial, food and shelter, emergency services, youth and seniors issues. Individuals seeking referral options also call to find out what services are available in their community to suit their needs.
Our professionally trained volunteers provide up-to-date information and referrals including connection with Mental Health Emergency Services or 911 for life saving interventions. Our primary service area is the North Okanagan area (Revelstoke, Shuswap, Vernon and their surrounding areas); we also provide service to the whole catchment area of Interior Health Authority when our Interior Crisis Line Network partner’s crisis lines are busy. For more crisis lines in other areas visit: http://www.crisislines.bc.ca/
If you are concerned someone you know may be having thoughts of suicide you can call the crisis line for support and information. If appropriate, we will offer to call the person of concern. Such contacts are made with sensitivity. When we do initiate contact with a third party, our confidentiality policy is in place. We cannot inform you of the content of the call-out to the party of concern.
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.
Volunteering
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:
Winter
Tuesday January 29 4-9 pm
Thursday January 31 4-9 pm
Tuesday February 5 4-9 pm
Thursday February 7 4-9 pm
Tuesday February 12 4-9 pm
Tuesday February 26 4-9 pm
Spring
Saturday April 27 9-4 pm
Sunday April 28 9-4 pm
Saturday May 4 9-4 pm
Sunday May 5 9-4 pm
Thursday May 16 4-8:30 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.
Program Staff
Alyssa Christmas, Program Support Manager- alyssa.christmas@cmha.bc.ca
Paula Guidi, Program Coordinator- paula.guidi@cmha.bc.ca
250-542-3114 ext. 232
