Suicide Crisis Hotline
988
Canada has launched a new suicide crisis hotline - 988 - and it went live as of November 30, 2023.
People in every province and territory who are experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate, real-time support can use the three-digit number. Similar to 911 for accessing fire, police and medical emergencies, 988: Suicide Crisis Helpline is a short, easy-to-remember number to get a quick response from coast to coast to coast, 24/7 and free of charge.
Calls and texts to 988 are directed to a network of partners in communities across the country offering suicide prevention services such as counselling. The 988 service is federally funded and available in English and French to all.
There are multiple ways to get in touch. When someone calls 988, they're first presented with a menu. Children, teens and Indigenous people are among those who can choose to access services specifically geared to them. Children and young adults can also contact Kids Help Phone for mental health support by texting CONNECT to 686868 from anywhere in Canada. Or by calling 1-800-668-6868.
In addition to calling 988, First Nations, Inuit and Métis will also be able to reach the Hope for Wellness Helpline. Its responders were specifically trained in cultural humility and are available by calling 1-855-242-3310. Services in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin) and Inuktitut are provided upon request. Like Kids Help Phone, the Hope for Wellness service is also a menu option through 988.
One of the reasons 988 were adopted as the digits for the hotline is because the same numbers are used in the United States for a similar crisis line that launched in July 2022.
What happens when you call or text?
A caller will first hear a greeting notifying them they've reached the 988 suicide prevention line and be asked which official language they wish to use. Those under age 18 will be offered specialized support. Then there's a privacy message with a link to find out more. A responder then listens or reads texts, responds with empathy and compassion and stays engaged as long as needed to offer support.
In the vast majority of cases, emergency services won't be contacted. But 911 will be activated if someone is at immediate or imminent risk of harming themselves or someone else. The 988 responder will stay connected on the call to support the person while they wait for help to arrive.
988 suicide crisis helpline launches across Canada | CBC News