When Kate Billett was 16-years-old she made a decision to pursue social work. “I wanted a career where I could help people,” says Kate. “I developed a passion for crisis line work and mental health, so that’s what ultimately drove me into social work.” Originally, Kate thought she wanted to be a teacher, but her high...
This week is National Volunteer Week, a week to show appreciation for the hundreds of volunteers who we rely on to provide crisis support by phone, chat, text and email. We pride ourselves on the value of our volunteer program. Volunteers invest their time in Distress Centre, and in turn, we invest in them. 99% of...
A few months ago, Peter Oxland, a crisis line volunteer at Distress Centre Calgary, answered a call at 2:30am and heard a faint whisper on the other end of the line. “The young girl eventually shared that she had had Distress Centre’s telephone number for nine months and had finally got the courage to call,” Peter...
On Sunday, February 18, 2018, the Calgary Hitmen faced the Saskatoon Blades at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Hitmen unfortunately lost 1-5 against the Blades, but thousands of fans still enjoyed a great game and had a chance to learn about Calgary’s youth peer support service, ConnecTeen. ConnecTeen provides confidential peer support to Calgary teens by phone,...
Calgary, February 11, 2018 - 211 Alberta, the number to call to connect to government, community, health and social services, has released its 2017 statistics. The numbers show that 92,165 calls for non-emergency help were answered by 211 across the province and its website received 37,954 visits. February 11th is 211 Day across North America. The...
We know reaching out to a crisis line takes a great deal of courage. That courage comes from admitting and accepting the fact you need help, and that you are willing to take that first step. It also comes from fearing the unknown. You might ask, “What happens when I contact a crisis line? Who...
2017 was another challenging year for Calgarians, as we faced an economy that has been slow to recover. We continue to see the impact of this prolonged recession on our crisis lines, in our counselling program and Basic Needs Fund. Compared to 2016, last year was a year of increased demand right across the board, which...
Author: Teresa Greenhill The holidays can be especially difficult for seniors in recovery. You might be used to being the matriarch at holiday gatherings. The one who hosted the big dinners, the one who graciously wrote all the cards, wrapped the gifts, and gave the toast. But addiction may have changed that. If you’re a senior in...
With the holiday season just around the corner, you can make a difference for Calgarians in distress this holiday season. While you're relaxing with loved ones, or finishing up your holiday shopping, our dedicated staff and volunteers are responding to Calgarians in crisis 24 hours a day. Yes, even on Christmas Day, when you're sitting down...
The holiday season is a time for Calgarians to do some of the things they love most - spending time with loved ones, revisiting annual traditions and enjoying winter activities. But for many Calgarians, the holidays and the winter season become a time of stress and anxiety. The holidays can cause immense stress on a family's...
