Toronto – When people are in crisis, they need immediate support. Distress and crisis centres are an integral part of Canada’s public health approach to suicide prevention and often the first point of contact for people who are struggling.
Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced over $3.5 million to 19 organizations to help build their capacity and ability to respond to the diverse needs and experiences of every person who reaches out to them. These organizations are the first successful applicants under the Distress Line Equity Fund, which commits $8 million in federal funding to address gaps in equity, diversity and inclusion within Canada’s distress line sector.
The investment announced today includes $250,000 to Distress Centres of Greater Toronto to expand its reach of crisis services to racialized community members. This funding will enable 24/7 availability of multilingual distress line services, reduce mental health stigma by providing education in racialized communities, increase the diversity of distress centre volunteers, develop internal equity, diversity and inclusion competency through training for new staff and volunteers, and conduct research to better understand the mental health needs of racialized communities.
It is essential that everyone in Canada has access to mental health resources when they need them the most, regardless of their culture, social or economic status. This initiative to enhance equity, diversity and inclusion in the distress line sector is an important complement to the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, which launched in Canada on November 30, 2023.
“When people feel heard, understood and supported, we can save lives. The funding announced today will help distress centres expand their incredible work and better respond to the needs of everyone who reaches out to them, regardless of race, religion, culture or socio-economic background. We want people to know, if they need help, that they are not alone and support is available.” – Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health