24/7 First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line now available online
Expansion of counseling services means 24/7 access by phone and online chat
May 8 2018 Ottawa, ONTARIO Indigenous Services Canada
The Government of Canada supports mental health wellbeing for First Nations and Inuit through dedicated resources, including culturally competent counselling services by the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line.
Indigenous Services Canada is pleased to announce that the 24/7 First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line has expanded to include mental wellness counselling and crisis intervention through online chat.
Many people, and particularly youth, are more at ease using the internet and handheld devices to access services and seek support. Online chat is the next step in expanding access to qualified and culturally competent mental wellness counselling and crisis intervention services.
The Hope for Wellness Help Line was established as a specific resource for First Nations and Inuit to provide immediate, culturally competent telephone counselling, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available in English, French and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Online chat services are currently available in English and French, with expansion to Indigenous languages currently being explored as this new service launches.
The Hope for Wellness Help Line can be accessed by phone at 1 855 242-3310 or through the new online chat.
Quotes
“With the Hope for Wellness Help Line expanding to online chat, culturally appropriate mental wellness and crisis counselling will be more accessible to First Nations and Inuit. There is no health without mental health, and our government is pleased to help increase the accessibility of this service, alongside other mental health programming with Indigenous partners in communities across the country.”
The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services
Quick facts
- The First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line is available by phone at 1 855 242-3310 or through the new online chat counselling service.
- The Help Line is being funded as part of the $69 million announced by the Government of Canada in June 2016 to provide immediate and targeted mental wellness support to Indigenous communities.
- The Government of Canada provides over $350 million annually to support the mental wellness needs of First Nations and Inuit communities.
- Since October 2016, the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line has responded to approximately 4,000 calls.
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Contacts
Rachel Rappaport
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services
819-934-2796
Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
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