9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline

Help when you need it the most

If you are feeling like you have lost hope and are struggling to cope, if you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, or if you are worried about someone else, 9-8-8 is here for you. When you reach out, a trained responder will listen without judgement, provide support and understanding, and can tell you about resources that will help.

9-8-8 is here to provide moments of connection that create hope, support recovery and save lives. We help people connect to their strengths and find new ways to cope, live and thrive. Our vision is a Canada where suicide is prevented because everyone can access help when they need it the most.

How 9-8-8 works

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline follows a network model

When you call or text 9-8-8, you will reach a responder at one of nearly 40 local, provincial and territorial, and national crisis lines, who co-deliver the service.

9-8-8 Partners are the backbone of the service. They are located across Canada. They provide existing crisis services within their communities, as well as taking 9-8-8 calls and texts. They are here to make sure that you can connect to a responder within your local community. Other 9-8-8 partners include Hope for Wellness who offer specialized support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and Kids Help Phone, who specialize in supporting young people reaching out to 9-8-8.

Canadian Mental Health Association for the Kootenays is a proud partner of 9-8-8 and has trained responders available to help you.

9-8-8 Values

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is here to support anyone in need, no matter who they are or where they are in Canada. The service will always be guided by principles of inclusion, stakeholder engagement and accessibility.

We Believe

• It is okay and important to talk about suicide
• Everyone needs and deserves to feel connected, hopeful and safe
• People retain their autonomy and dignity when they are listened to with respect and without judgement
• National services that value and harness community expertise are better at meeting and responding to local needs
• Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention; cross-sectoral collaboration and partnerships are critical to success

Get Help

• If you’re in crisis
• If you’re worried about yourself
• If you’re worried about someone else.

For more information visit https://988.ca/

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Line is funded by the Government of Canada