A thank you to crisis and suicide prevention responders

Transcript

Transcript

Background: The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health and Dr. Eva Serhal, Senior Director, Talk Suicide Canada thank crisis responders for their work in helping to save lives in Canada.

On screen: The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health and Dr. Eva Serhal.

Dr. Eva Serhal:

Every day in Canada people who are in crisis or considering suicide call or text a crisis support line. They may reach out to a local crisis line or they might call Canada’s national suicide prevention service, Talk Suicide Canada.

Minister Bennett:

And today, we are truly grateful to all those responding to the call or text - the crisis responders, workers and volunteers who are there to support anyone who calls. They provide free and confidential, and perhaps most importantly, judgement-free support.

Dr. Eva Serhal:

People don’t just experience a crisis between the hours of 9-5. Thoughts of suicide can come up at any time of the day. Crisis responders work on holidays, overnight and on weekends so crisis lines can be open 24/7, to help people when they need it most.
 
Minister Bennett:

And so today we say thank you to the responders. Thank you for being that voice on the other end of the line day and night. Thank you for being here for someone today, so they can still be with us tomorrow.

Dr. Eva Serhal:

Yes, thank you.

Remember, if you’re in Canada and struggling with thoughts of suicide, there is help and you are not alone. Please call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 any time for free and confidential support. You can also text 45645 from 4 p.m. to midnight Eastern Time.

If you live in Quebec, call 1-866-277-3553 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.

Minister Bennett:

On the other end of that call or text are crisis responders, workers and volunteers who are there to support anyone who calls. They provide free and confidential, and perhaps most importantly, judgement-free support.

Minister Bennett:

And so we want to thank responders. Thank you for being that voice on the other end of the line. Thank you for being here for someone today, so they can still be here tomorrow.