988
9-8-8 is a new national three-digit helpline that provides urgent, live support by phone and text for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know.
Phone or text: 9-8-8
Distress Centre Calgary is a 9-8-8 partner and part of the network of crisis lines across the country whose responders take 9-8-8 calls and texts.
Distress Centre has been involved with the efforts to offer a national suicide prevention service since the Canadian Distress Line Network (CDLN) formed in 2002. Crisis Services Canada evolved out of the CDLN and launched the Canada Suicide Prevention Service in 2017. Distress Centre was one of the first four pilot sites when that service launched in 2017 and continued being a partner and answering contacts when it became Talk Suicide in 2022.
Our local crisis lines remain available for anyone requiring crisis and emotional support, including needing support for thoughts of suicide. We can be reached 24 hours a day by phoning or texting 403-266-HELP (403-266-4357) or chatting online at DistressCentre.com.
Whether someone contacts 9-8-8 or our local lines, they will receive support.
211 also remains available for information and navigation support, including help connecting to mental health and addictions resources.
Opportunities to Help
Our volunteer opportunities allow you to provide support in various ways, including over the phone and via chat, text, or email. We also provide extensive practical and ongoing training.
As Calgary’s only 24-hour crisis agency, we are often the first point of contact for those seeking help. Make a career out of making a difference!
Distress Centre is committed to furthering the field of social work, and we view practicum students as a great asset to our team. Practicum opportunities exist year-round within the Crisis Line Program and Counselling Program, along with other opportunities.
Check Out Our Blog
Explore what’s new in the community and important updates from Distress Centre.
Volunteer Spotlight: Laiba
Image: Laiba (middle) with other ConnecTeen volunteers at the 40th Anniversary Celebration in September 2023. Laiba joined Distress Centre as a ConnecTeen volunteer in 2021 when she was 15 years [...]Read More... from Volunteer Spotlight: Laiba
READPartnering to support unhoused individuals through winter
The arrival of spring signals the end of the winter season of the Coordinated Community Extreme Weather Response (CCEWR). For Distress Centre, that means wrapping up our Coordinated Entry work [...]Read More... from Partnering to support unhoused individuals through winter
READ
Meet some of the amazing social workers at DC
March is Social Work Month, the perfect time to spotlight some of the incredible social workers at DC who work in a variety of roles serving individuals and the community. [...]Read More... from Meet some of the amazing social workers at DC
READ
What Is Community Service, What Are the Benefits, & How Can I Contribute?
Community service, in essence, is work that benefits your community, often done without compensation. Engaging in community service not only helps those in need but also fosters a sense of fulfillment and connection within the community. [...]Read More... from What Is Community Service, What Are the Benefits, & How Can I Contribute?
READ
How to Cope with Crippling Anxiety & When to Seek Help
Everyone can experience anxiety differently, but some strategies that may help include mindfulness, meditation, physical exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy, and breathing exercises. If you’re experiencing debilitating panic attacks, finding yourself using substances to cope, or having thoughts of self-harm, it’s time to seek support. [...]Read More... from How to Cope with Crippling Anxiety & When to Seek Help
READ
Why Is Volunteering Important?
Volunteering can be a crucial element of nonprofit organizations that offer essential services in your community, catalyzing positive change, helping those with nowhere else to turn, and offering a plethora of personal and professional benefits for volunteers [...]Read More... from Why Is Volunteering Important?
READOur Impact Funders
we want you to know that your donation is currently supporting someone in crisis. thank you for your contributions.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
FIND US
Email: info@distresscentre.com24-Hour Crisis Line: 403-266-4357
Main Office: 403-266-1601
Youth Program Office: 403-264-8337
Calgary, AB T2R 1J5 | View Map
Charitable Registration Number:
107021024RR0001
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, Distress Centre Calgary would like to honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
Help is Here
