Yukon Distress And Support Line To Go Live This Week

November 21, 2014

Yukoners able to call local support line in the evenings when help is most needed

The Second Opinion Society (SOS) is pleased to announce that the Yukon Distress and Support Line will begin accepting calls on November 24, 2014. Yukoners will be able to call 1-844-533-3030 between 7 PM PT and 3 AM PT where a team of 28 trained volunteers will provide assistance, support and resource information for people in distress.

In September, the organization announced the launch of the line and began a volunteer recruitment campaign.  With more than 50 expressions of interest and 30 applicants, the distress line launched a training program to prepare volunteers for numerous challenging and sensitive scenarios they will face on the job.

“Providing volunteers with training around topics such listening skills, mental health challenges, addictions, crisis and suicide has been an invaluable part of ensuring that they feel comfortable and confident supporting their community,” said Hailey Hechtman of Yukon Distress & Support Line Director. “In addition to the learning experience they have received, we have also established support systems and supervision to assist them with their own self-care and wellness.”

The ongoing operation of the Yukon Distress and Support Line is supported by contributions of $30,000 from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund and $25,000 from Northwestel. In addition, Government of Yukon Health and Social Services committed to an $8,100, six-month contribution to support the line.

“Supporting the creation of the Yukon Distress and Support Line is very important to Northwestel. We are pleased that this service has become a reality and are grateful to SOS for developing this important resource for Yukon residents,” said Paul Flaherty, President and CEO of Northwestel.”

“This Yukon government is looking at how to better address the mental health needs of Yukoners. We are pleased to make this financial contribution to a valuable addition to the services available to those who need assistance,” said Yukon Minister of Health and Social Services Doug Graham. “A community-based initiative such as this cannot succeed without the dedication of volunteers. I’m pleased to see the interest Yukoners are taking in this service”

The City of Whitehorse is also providing complementary transit and Canada Games Centre advertising to ensure promotion throughout the city.

“We are delighted that this resource has come to our community,” said Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis. “It is wonderful to see this level of volunteerism. These volunteers are to be commended for supporting other Yukoners in this way. The City of Whitehorse is pleased to work with SOS to help make people aware of this new resource.”

The location of the Yukon Distress and Support Line has not been made public to ensure the safety of its volunteers.

SOS is continuously searching for volunteers to operate the line. If you would like to be involved please contact the Second Opinion Society at (867) 667-2037 or at yukondistressline@gmail.com

NT5