Change can be difficult, but sometimes it can bring forth new possibilities.
The crisis line service was challenged to make it through a difficult time of transition. The way things had been done for 40 years had to be re-examined, reshaped and streamlined to give all residents of Vancouver Island consistency in service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with public access to mental health professionals in their communities.
The new one-number service — 1-888-494-3888 — started its transition last March by accepting calls from the Courtenay area, and slowly transitioned until finally accepting calls from all areas of Vancouver Island including Victoria by the end of June.
To date, the new service has received approximately 32,000 calls, with its busiest day seeing 155 calls answered.
Up until this time, the local numbers being used by callers have been automatically forwarded into the new number seamlessly. The organization has been busy distributing promotional materials announcing the new number so it can feel confident the public will know where to call when the local numbers are no longer in use. Even still, there will be a message on the local crisis line numbers advising callers of the new one-access number.
This distribution of promotional materials included updates to every school on Vancouver Island. The new number is also listed next to 911 in local phone directories. There has been an Island-wide news campaign including newspaper and radio ads run in September 2010, January 2011 and again during Crisis Line Awareness Week.
With the help of all Vancouver Island Health Authority partner agencies such as Mental Health and Addictions and other major community resources such as the Ministry of Children and Family, confidence has been reached that the materials are getting into the hands of those more vulnerable callers that can benefit from the ongoing support of the crisis lines.
The crisis line’s main message is that anyone who feels overwhelmed with their circumstances should pick up the phone and give the service a call. We can all get to that point sometimes in our lives, so don’t wait until you feel that your options are running out and you have nowhere to turn.
There are non-judgmental, empathetic, caring people available that are willing to listen and provide encouragement. Sometimes, that kind of support is all that someone needs in order to make it through a difficult time in their life. It takes courage to reach out and admit that you need help, but it is the best choice you can make for yourself.
The number is 1-888-494-3888.
— Vancouver Island Health Authority