There will never come a time when a listening ear isn’t incredibly valuable. This is especially true in a world where mental health issues are abound. Melo Technology is proud to be a telecommunications service provider that plays a vital role in ensuring that Canadians have a way to attain a listening ear during their most important times of need.
The brand new 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline was launched yesterday.
Effective as of November 30, 2023, the new easy-to-remember 9-8-8 number is designed for anyone who is even remotely contemplating suicide. People who are worried about loved ones who may be suicidal are also encouraged to use the new Suicide Crisis Helpline. 9-8-8 can be called or texted toll-free at any time. Support is offered in both English and French. Anyone who uses the helpline is assured of connecting to a responder who is committed to offering help without judgement.
“9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is a new three-digit helpline that provides urgent, live support by phone and text to people in every province and territory across the country,” informs the Suicide Crisis Helpline press release, “9-8-8 is available in English and French, 24 hours a day, every single day of the year across the country.”
Suicide prevention is the primary focus of 9-8-8.
Funded by the Government of Canada, through the Public Health Agency of Canada, the new Suicide Crisis Helpline is for everyone. Canadians are promised that no one who calls or texts the helpline will be turned away. Everyone who contacts 9-8-8 will be assessed for suicide risk. All 9-8-8 responders are trained to respond to people who are going through a range of crises.
“The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, Ontario is leading and coordinating the delivery of 9-8-8 nationwide,” explains the press release, “A growing network of more than 40 experienced local, provincial and territorial, and national crisis lines across the country provide culturally appropriate, lifesaving support to people who call or text 9-8-8.”
What happens when you call 9-8-8?
Before being connected to a 9-8-8 responder, you will hear a brief pre-recorded message. It will assure you that you are in the right place. Generally, you will be asked a few short questions, including one to determine if you want assistance in English or French. You will be asked if you are under 18, and if you would like to speak to a responder who has experience with supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
“In some parts of Canada, you will be put straight through to the existing crisis service for your province or territory and will hear a welcome message from that service,” the press release informs, “All callers will be put through to a responder who will listen and provide support. If you need to wait for a short time, please stay with us – we will answer your call.”
Melo Technology customers will have access to 9-8-8.
Rest assured that if you are taking advantage of Melo Technology’s VoIP-based Commercial Phone Services, you will be able to easily access the new Suicide Crisis Helpline. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-888-MELOTEL, email support@melotel.com or visit 988.ca.
