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BC’s 310Mental Health Support Network Brings on More Centres
The Crisis Line Association of BC is bringing crisis centres in Williams Lake and Kelowna onto its 310Mental Health Support network in an effort to meet the ever-increasing demand for crisis line support.
Established in 1998, the Crisis Line Association of British Columbia (CLABC) set up the 1800Suicide and 310Mental Health Support networks to enhance immediate access to 24-hour crisis line services for anyone at anytime from anywhere in BC.
In just the last 18 months, the number of calls to the 310Mental Health Support network has more than doubled, placing greater demand on the eight crisis centres currently connected to that network. By bringing on Kelowna Crisis Centre and Williams Lake & Area Crisis Line, it is hoped that centres in the Interior will have additional back up, ensuring even greater response rates to callers in need of crisis intervention and emotional support.
CLABC Provincial Network Manager, Jason Chare, said, “Despite the dramatic increase in calls to 310Mental Health Support, the eight crisis centres currently on that network have managed to provide the same level of response, which is a testament to the dedication of the staff and trained volunteers at those centres. What we are hoping to do now is provide a more robust service, and take that call answer rate to a new level”.
Every 2.7 minutes a person connects with a crisis line worker in BC, either through their local crisis line, 1800SUICIDE or 310Mental Health Support. Many suffer with suicidal ideation or intent, and trained volunteers and staff respond 24-7 with emotional support, and when needed, intervention.
As demand for crisis line support continues to rise, CLABC will continue bringing centres around BC onto the network. The Prince George 24-hour Crisis Line, which already provides support on the 1800SUICIDE network, is also expected to join 310Mental Health Support in the coming months.
CLABC President Janice Breck said, “Crisis Centres around the province are working hard to meet the increasing demand for support. Bringing additional centres on to the network is a positive step towards meeting demand, but we also need volunteers to join our training programs and help provide that support. Anyone interested in becoming a Crisis Line Worker can contact info@crisislines.bc.ca for details”.
If you are concerned about suicide, call now on 1-800-784-2433. For more information about CLABC, contact Jason Chare, CLABC Provincial Network Manager, at info@crisislines.bc.ca
About CLABC
The Crisis Line Association of BC (CLABC) is the provincial association representing member crisis lines from across BC. The organization, formed in 1998, is dedicated to ensuring that every person in BC has access to the needed emotional support and critical services that crisis lines provide. CLABC developed two provincial networks: 1800SUICIDE and 310Mental Health Support, enhancing immediate access to 24-hour crisis line services for anyone at anytime from anywhere in BC.
