Make a Difference with Distress Centre Calgary
Learn, Connect, and be part of Distress Centre
At Distress Centre Calgary, our volunteers are highly trained and committed to providing compassionate support to those experiencing crisis. Our team supports the incredible work that our volunteers do alongside our Service Users by ensuring that they are well-prepared, trained, and connected within our community.
If you would like to join our volunteer community, please take a moment to explore the different opportunities we offer and take the first step with us by joining one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions.
Questions? Please review our Frequently Asked Questions. If your question is not listed, you can connect with us at volunteer@distresscentre.com.
First express your interest to join a Volunteer Information Session
We invite you to attend one of our monthly Information Sessions. These sessions are designed to give you an overview of our organization, the types of volunteer roles available, and the impact you can have as a Distress Centre Calgary volunteer.
During the Information Session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about Distress Centre Calgary’s mission, vision and values
- Discover the benefits of being a volunteer
- Understand the responsibilities and expectations that Distress Centre Calgary has of our Volunteers
- Ask questions and learn more from our staff in the presentation
- Find out about the application process and training requirements
How to Sign Up for an Information Session
Please follow this link to complete the Expression of Interest Form. Within the form we have listed each of the upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions.
We host Information Sessions twice every month (12-1pm and 5-6pm on different days Tuesdays and Thursdays).
Please carefully review the instructions for each month before signing up, as the details may vary. All sessions will be conducted online via Zoom.
To register for an upcoming Information Session:
- Review the schedule and instructions for the current month’s session on the form.
- Complete the expression of interest, noting which information session you would like to attend.
- Provide your contact information so we can confirm your spot and send you the Crisis line Volunteer Application Form to fill out and submit after you attend the information session of your choosing.
Before the Information Session, we ask all applicants to watch “A Case for Active Listening” by Jason Chare (TEDx).
This short talk highlights the power of truly listening, one of the most important skills for a Crisis Line Volunteer. It will give you a helpful introduction to what supporting someone in crisis really looks like and set the foundation for our session together.
A Case for Active Listening: Jason Chare at TEDxTokyoTeachers
Next Step: Application Process
If, after attending an Information Session, you feel ready to get involved, we encourage you to complete our volunteer application form. The application link and details will be shared via email with all Information Session participants.
We look forward to meeting you, answering your questions, and helping you start your journey as a Distress Centre volunteer!
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Crisis Line Responder Volunteer
Age: 18+
Our highly trained volunteers are dedicated to providing compassionate support to those in distress. As a volunteer with Distress Centre Calgary, you will interact directly with service users on the phone lines, or via chat or text, with support from Distress Centre Staff available at all times. As a Crisis Line Responder, you provide service users with confidential service using tools and skills acquired in classroom theory, practical/on-going training, and continuous feedback. You offer service users support, crisis intervention, and provide appropriate information and referrals to programs within Distress Centre as well as the community.
ConnecTeen Youth Volunteer
Age: 15–20
Our highly trained volunteers are dedicated to providing compassionate support to those in distress. As a ConnecTeen Youth Volunteer, you will interact directly with teen and youth service users via chat, text, or phone, with support from Distress Centre staff at all times. ConnecTeen volunteers provide peer support and a safe space for youth to talk about whatever issues they’re dealing with. Learn more about ConnecTeen.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Board of Directors
Provide governance, strategy, policy and financial guidance to Distress Centre staff. Email for more information.
Fundraising Volunteers
Volunteers are always needed for our casino, which occurs every 18 months. If you are interested in volunteering, please email for more information.
Our Values
- Belonging
- Service to Others
- Excellence
- Volunteerism
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Leadership
Our Core Competencies
Client/Service Centred Work
You make clients the ultimate focus of our agency, team, and individual choices and actions.
Partnerships, Relationships, & Teamwork
You build and maintain productive, collaborative working relationships within and across groups, both internally and externally, to accomplish our common goals.
Growth Mindset/Learning
You actively identify new areas for learning and take advantage of opportunities to learn in whatever form they come. You apply your newly gained knowledge in your jobs and share these skills with others.
Communication
You clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of media channels in a way that engages the audience and helps them understand, inviting dialogue and inciting action where appropriate.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
We build and sustain an inclusive work environment where all individuals are welcomed, supported, respected, and valued for their unique experiences, perspectives, talents, and contributions.
Change Management
You maintain your team and personal effectiveness when being impacted by changes within the organization.
Self-Management
You take responsibility for yourself and your actions.
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.
Because of You, Silence Was Turned into Strength
Geroge*, an elderly man, was shadowed by depression that followed him everywhere, no matter how far he tried to outrun it. George learned early in life hiding in isolation would shield him against pain, a strategy [...]Read More... from Because of You, Silence Was Turned into Strength
READ
A Mother’s Light Re-Discovered, All Thanks to Your Support!
Mei*, a devoted mother, was shattered when she learned her young daughter had been sexually assaulted. In an instant, her world turned upside down. She felt powerless, unsure how to navigate the complex [...]Read More... from A Mother’s Light Re-Discovered, All Thanks to Your Support!
READ
Your Kindness Transformed into Hope
Late one night, a highschooler named Mato* sat on the edge of his bed, with his head hung low. His anxiety felt heavy—like a weight he could never set down. Even the medication meant to help had not [...]Read More... from Your Kindness Transformed into Hope
READ
A Legacy Built by People, Carried Forward by People
When Distress Centre Calgary first opened its doors in 1970, it was not the large, multi-service crisis organization it is today. It was a small room, a handful of volunteers, [...]Read More... from A Legacy Built by People, Carried Forward by People
READ
13 Years of Impact: Honouring SORCe’s Legacy at Crossroads
For more than a decade, SORCe has been a place where people experiencing or at risk of homelessness could walk in, be welcomed without judgment, and receive the support they [...]Read More... from 13 Years of Impact: Honouring SORCe’s Legacy at Crossroads
READ
DCC Stories of Hope: Why a Human Voice Matters More Than Ever
Thanks to supporters like you, teens like Ava* have someone to turn to when they feel alone. Teens often find the most comfort in one another, as they know other teens understand what it feels like [...]Read More... from DCC Stories of Hope: Why a Human Voice Matters More Than Ever
READOur Impact Funders
we want you to know that your donation is currently supporting someone in crisis. thank you for your contributions.
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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 Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta Districts 5 and 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
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