9-8-8
IMPACT
Wainwright & Area
Information. Mentorship. Prevention. Action. Community. Team.
Help when you need it
The suicide crisis helpline
What is 9-8-8?
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is a new three-digit helpline that provides urgent, live support by phone and text to people in every province and territory across the country. 9-8-8 is available in English and French, 24 hours a day, every single day of the year across the country.
Call or text
9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Suicide prevention is the primary focus of 9-8-8, but no one who calls or texts the helpline will be turned away. Everyone who contacts 9-8-8 will be assessed for suicide risk, and all 9-8-8 responders are trained to support people, whatever they are going through.
Who runs 9-8-8?
The CAMH in Toronto, Ontario is leading and coordinating the delivery of 9-8-8 nationwide. A growing network of nearly 40 experienced local, provincial and territorial, and national crisis lines across the country provide culturally affirming, lifesaving support to people who call or text 9-8-8. 9-8-8 is funded by the Government of Canada.
Remember, it’s OK to talk about suicide. In fact, it’s important. Bringing up the subject can be scary, but it can help save lives.
What happens when I call 9-8-8?
You are not alone.
When you call 9-8-8, before you are connected to a 9-8-8 responder, you will hear a brief pre-recorded message to let you know you are in the right place. Most callers at this point will also hear a few short questions, such as whether you’d like to talk to someone English or French, if you are under 18, and if you would like to speak to a responder that has experience of supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.
The message will also let you know how you can find out more about using the service, including about confidentiality.
In some parts of Canada, you will be put straight through to the existing crisis service for your province or territory and will hear a welcome message from that service.
All callers to 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline will be put through to a responder who will listen and provide support. If you need to wait for a short time, please stay with us –we will answer your call. Whatever you are facing, 9-8-8 responders are here to help. No one who reaches out to 9-8-8 will be turned away.
Learn More
You are not alone. 9-8-8 is Canada’s new helpline for anyone who is thinking about suicide or who is worried about someone they know. Reach out for help, whenever you need it.
