Kids Help Phone seeks Indigenous volunteers to meet demand

Press Release

350% increase in texts related to COVID-19 through Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone

Toronto, ON (March 23, 2020) – During this unprecedented time it is more important than ever to support each other. Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone has experienced a 350% increase in young people reaching out with fears related to COVID-19. Volunteer Crisis Responders are needed now more than ever.

Finding Hope: Kids Help Phone’s Action Plan for Supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Young People outlines our goal of increasing the number of Indigenous staff and volunteers at Kids Help Phone. Once we have a sufficient pool of Indigenous Crisis Responders, we will begin connecting Indigenous texters directly with Indigenous Crisis Responders when requested by the young person.

As many organizations close for COVID-19, this is an opportunity for people to develop important skills and support young people from across Canada. Volunteer Crisis Responders work from home, receive 36 hours of online training and receive ongoing support from professional counsellors. Apply today and be there to support young people during this difficult time. The application is available here.

To learn more, about Kids Help Phone’s Indigenous Initiatives please visit here.

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About Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 Canada-wide service offering professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led text-based support for young people. Kids Help Phone’s free, confidential services are available in both English and French.

Kids Help Phone is a registered Canadian charity, and raises the majority of revenue from individuals, foundations, corporations and community fundraising.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Deanna Dunham
Manager, Indigenous Initiatives
Kids Help Phone
416-948-9638