Distress Centre Calgary
Suite 500, 999 8th Street SW T2R1J5 Calgary, AB, Canada

ICYMI: We put together a guide for creating your own personalized self-care plan. Self-care is unique to each person and we hope this guide helps you create a plan that works for you. Read more: http://ow.ly/gnMc50DC1ul

We are excited to announce that we have been selected to be a part of Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink (BFK). When you donate to DC through BFK, all administrative costs are covered by the Shaw Charity Classic tournament and every donation is matched up to 50%! Learn more: http://ow.ly/RyH050DyiWj

ICYMI: 50 Stories Part 48: Wow! This quote from Susan Anderson, V.P. at Husky, really sums up the power of our Basic Needs Fund. We integrated 211 with the Basic Needs Fund in 2017. Read more to learn about 211 in the 2010s: http://ow.ly/cesx50DyhAK

Friday Read for Black History Month via CanadaHelps: Learn about the lasting legacy of four Black Canadians, including Bromley Armstrong and Mary Ann Shadd Cary. Read more: http://ow.ly/iWRu50Dygcz

Our ED Jerilyn Dressler spoke with CTV Calgary about the importance of 211 Day, as well as the effect the pandemic is having on our services. We hear every day how Calgarians are struggling - the complexity of our calls has increased and many are reaching out for help for the first time in their lives. Watch below. https://www.facebook.com/211Calgary/posts/1547830395425485

For Black History Month: Calgary Public Library is presenting the latest research on Black Canadian's mental health. Join tonight to understand what culturally relevant mental health services look like and how they can contribute to health equity. Learn more: https://calgarylibrary.ca//the-latest-research-on-black-c/

ICYMI 50 Stories Part 40: Carol Oliver was our Executive Director from 2008 to 2012. She was a strategic and passionate leader and we wish we'd had more time with her. Learn more about her time at Distress Centre: https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-40-carol-/

Distress Centre's Natasha Darshi participated in a CBC Calgary Q&A panel on managing your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch:

50 Stories Part 49: A partnership between many different orgs and individuals created the initial Drug Information Centre in 1970, and partnerships continue to be vital in enabling the current DC to serve the community. Featuring: Outrun the Stigma, Darkness into Light Calgary, Official Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club, Calgary Immigrant Women's Association, carya, Lee Horbachewski Read more: https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-49-bringi/

Our last newsletter of the year goes out this week! Sign up to make sure you receive it and stay up-to-date on all things DC. https://www.distresscentre.com/contact-us/newsletter-signup/

Help us win $5000!

In 2010 we introduced a refreshed brand that we still use today. Have you found the number of lines we’ve mentioned throughout the 50 Stories confusing? We thought so too, which is why we introduced a single crisis line number: 403-266-HELP (4357), which we still use today. Carol Oliver was our Executive Director as we celebrated our 40th Anniversary. In 2010 we had: $3,600,000 in funding 259 Volunteers 130,000 calls and 1,627 counselling sessions, as well as public ed...ucation and other outreach services Watch the video for an idea of what answering the call for help sounded like in the 2010s. See more

ICYMI: 50 Stories Part 36: From 2007 to 2012 we answered the Out is Okay line, to provide 24 hour crisis line services to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two spirited and queer community, particularly in isolated rural areas of Alberta. Read more: https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-36-out-is/

#MusicMonday: Harpist Eily Auroa (aka The Harp Faery) and Mira Black created this song and video on the power of human connection. Eily has donated her beautiful music to many DC events, providing harp music for our guests. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnDVTT9nvmU

Happy Halloween! Today is the last day to complete your run or walk for Outrun the Stigma! Have you finished yours yet? How did it go? Couldn't participate this year? Donate to the DC Volunteer Team to show your support! https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx Photo: The Distress Centre team at Outrun the Stigma 2019.

Our November newsletter is going out soon! Sign up to make sure you receive it and stay up-to-date on all things DC.

Between Oct 14-28 Imperial Oil is donating $5 for every download of their Speedpass+ app to mental health orgs across Canada. Distress Centre is honoured to have been selected as the recipient charity for Calgary! #FuelWhatMatters

ICYMI 50 Stories Part 31: Barb Litchinsky was Executive Director at Distress Centre from 1996 to 2008 when she retired. Barb's impact on Distress Centre is still felt to this day. Her leadership allowed our agency to grow, evolve and better serve our callers and clients. Learn more: https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-31-modeli/

#ThankYouThursday: A big thank you to Wawanesa Insurance for their generous donation that went towards the purchase of new chairs, headsets, laptops and monitors for our dedicated staff and volunteers in the Contact Centre.

ICYMI: 50 Stories Part 33: In part 33 of our series, we're looking at fundraising and moving in the 2000s. Running a 24 hour operation certainly brings unique challenges! Read more: https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-33-moving/

We're looking back on important DC milestones as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2020. 1994: We took on the Gambling Line. Concerns about VLT addiction were the most common. There was also a high number of suicide-related calls on this line. In 1994 we also launched our first Senior’s Line. We still serve seniors today through SeniorConnect and 403-SENIORS. 1998: We launched the Men’s Domestic Conflict Line in Canada, a 24 hour phone service for men with a history of... partner violence or feeling angry, which eventually became a more general Men’s Line. Finally in the ‘90s we welcomed Barb Litchinsky as our new Executive Director (in 1996) and updated our mission: to provide crisis intervention, counselling and public education for all members of the community. Learn more about these milestones in our 50 Stories series: https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-19-know-w/ https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-24-connec/ https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-29-nowher/ https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-31-modeli/

In Jerilyn's Q3 update, she discusses our ongoing efforts to create a community of care within our agency and encourage individual personalized self-care. See the full update: https://www.distresscentre.com//q3-update-from-our-execut/

#SelfCareSunday: Happy Sunday! Take some time today to practice self-care and recharge for the week ahead. What's your go-to self-care activity? Graphic by Blessing Manifesting.

Our October newsletter is out now. Check it out to stay updated on everything happening at Distress Centre.

Distress Centre in the news: Thank you Bob (I Got Mind) and Judy Wilkie for openly sharing your story. There was a very serious moment where I wondered whether I could hang on, and that was when my husband and my son got in touch with Distress Centre, which I believe saved my life. - Judy Wilkie Via the Calgary Herald. ... https://calgaryherald.com//distress-centre-seeks-donations

We're hiring a Contact Centre Coordinator/Community Resource Specialist. See the posting: https://www.distresscentre.com//Job-Posting-FT-Contact-Cen #yyc #yycjobs

Thank You Thursday: Gibson Energy continues to support Distress Centre and mental health. Just recently they gave a very generous donation to Distress Centre through the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation. Thank you Gibson Energy! Photo: Chair, Mike Colborne presented the cheque to Roxanne Cote, Resource Development Manager.

Monday Mental Health from American Association of Suicidology: Here are six tips if you are navigating change and want to support your mental health: https://afsp.org//supporting-your-mental-health-while-navi

50 Stories Part 45: In 2013, Distress Centre returned to its 1970 street-level roots by offering a walk-in only service for Calgary’s most vulnerable. Named SORCe (Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre), it operates in partnership with a large number of related agencies. Our programming at SORCe has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as it relies on in-person services to connect with those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. See how we've adapted - read more:

Have you registered for the virtual Outrun the Stigma yet? OTS is an event that's very close to our hearts and we're sad that we won't all be gathering together this year. But the virtual event still gives us an opportunity to get outside and be active, all for a great cause - our crisis services! Register today: https://www.outrunthestigma.ca/calgary/register Can't participate? Donate to the DC volunteer team: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx... Photos: DC staff at Outrun the Stigma 2015 and 2016.

October Update: Distress Centre's response to the COVID-19 pandemic We have experienced a concerning increase in suicide-related contacts since the pandemic began, and in September specifically we saw a 69% increase in suicide-related contacts compared to September 2019. Read the full update:

ICYMI last week: United Way of Calgary and Area sat down with DC crisis line volunteer Anita last week for some Q&A managing your mental health during the pandemic. https://calgaryunitedway.org/blog/be-kind-to-your-neighbour/

With the rising number of COVID cases, we are uncertain what that will mean for us. We need your support more than ever. Join our monthly donors to help every Calgarian in crisis receive support that enhances the health, well-being and resiliency of individuals in distress. Your monthly donation: Provides youth a safe place for counselling through text messaging. Supports the 211 phone and online chat. Allows for overnight shifts functioning from midnight to 7am.... Supports training through the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Learn more:

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Distress Centre! What are you grateful for this year? Thanksgiving isn't happy for everyone. If you need to talk, we are available 24/7 thanks to our volunteers and staff who give up their holiday time to listen. Call 403-266-4357 for support.

50 Stories Part 42: In this story, we look at our counselling from 2010 to today. COVID-19 had a big effect on our counselling program, requiring us to move to phone and video counselling. Learn more about how we've adapted:

50 Stories Part 40: Carol Oliver was our Executive Director from 2008 to 2012. She was a strategic and passionate leader and we wish we'd had more time with her. Learn more about her time at Distress Centre:

#WorldMentalHealthDay: If you are worried that someone you love may be having thoughts of suicide, there is something you can do. It starts by knowing the signs of suicide and then asking for help. Call Distress Centre for 24/7 support at 403-266-HELP (4357) or chat online at www.distresscentre.com How to recognize suicide warning signs via Pieta House, Preventing Suicide and Self Harm: https://www.pieta.ie/how-we-can-help/know-the-signs/

We're hiring a part-time term position: CAA/211 Housing Strategist at SORCe. See the full posting: https://www.distresscentre.com//Housing-Strategist-Term-Co

Knowing the signs of suicide is the first step to helping someone who is having thoughts of suicide. Read this guide from Pieta House, Preventing Suicide and Self Harm our Darkness into Light Calgary partner, on the signs of suicide and what to do if someone you love is exhibiting them: https://www.pieta.ie/how-we-can-help/know-the-signs/ Distress Centre is here for you. Call us 24/7 at 403-266-4537 or chat online at distresscentre.com

World Mental Health Day Social Media Captions Facebook: Today is World Mental Health Day! Taking care of your mental health is so important. One way to do that is to talk to someone when you're not doing well. We're here to listen 24/7 at 403-266-4357. Daily online chat is available at www.distresscentre.com Mental health information articles:... Self-care tips from crisis line volunteers: https://www.distresscentre.com//self-care-tips-from-crisi/ What to do if you're worried about someone's mental health: https://www.distresscentre.com//what-to-do-when-youre-wor/ 5 steps to help someone who is having thoughts of suicide: https://www.distresscentre.com//5-steps-to-help-someone-w/ 5 steps to help a friend in distress: https://www.distresscentre.com//5-steps-to-help-a-friend-/ 7 things that happen when you contact a crisis line: https://www.distresscentre.com//7-things-that-happen-when/

Wise word from our volunteer Anita! She spoke with United Way of Calgary and Area about volunteering during the pandemic and how the pandemic is impacting Calgarians' mental health.

Distress Centre is honoured to have been selected as the recipient charity for Calgary! #FuelWhatMatters

Monday Mental Health from Centre for Suicide Prevention: How can we prevent trauma-based suicide?

ICYMI 50 Stories Part 30: It's hard to imagine a time when our contact centre wasn't full of computers! We strive to embrace technology at DC and it's exciting to think where we might be in another 20 or 50 years! Read Story 30 to learn about our technology journey: https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-30-ready-/

Outrun the Stigma starts today! Since we can't gather in person this year, OTS has gone virtual. Last minute register and complete your run by Oct 31: https://www.outrunthestigma.ca/calgary/register Can't participate? Donate to the DC Volunteer Team to show your support! https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx Photo:Distress Centre on Campus Club members with DC staff at the check presentation from the very first Outrun the Stigma! The run/walk took place in fall 2013 and the check presentation was in early 2014.

Thank you Lee Horbachewski - A Quiet Strong Voice for letting us use your beautiful photographs for our thank you postcards!

We sure missed seeing everyone at Darkness into Light Calgary this year! Pieta House, Preventing Suicide and Self Harm, who puts on Darkness Into Light, is running a campaign to increase awareness of suicide warning signs. DC will be sharing information on the topic throughout October. All of us have the power to help prevent suicide. Read Pieta House’s article on the signs of suicide: https://www.pieta.ie/how-we-can-help/know-the-signs/ ... Read Distress Centre’s article on helping someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts: https://www.distresscentre.com//5-steps-to-help-someone-w/ If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please reach out. Call us 24/7 at 403-266-HELP (4357) or chat online at distresscentre.com If you are concerned someone is in imminent danger of harming themselves, call 911.

ICYMI 50 Stories Part 32: Welcome to the 2000s! Barb Litchinsky, who retired from her role as Executive Director in 2008, explained DC's time in the 2000s best: "Although we have grown and changed, we have also stayed true to our roots. We are a social work agency committed to helping people when they have determined they are in crisis. We use volunteers in the front-line service delivery. We offer our services free of charge." All of this is still true today. Read more: https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-32-social/

Join us ONLINE for the 8th Annual Outrun the Stigma run/walk! Taking place from October 25-31, 2020. Since 2013, Outrun the Stigma has raised over $190,000 for Calgary and Edmonton mental health organizations. Distress Centre is the sole recipient of funds raised by the Calgary event. Learn more and sign up: http://www.outrunthestigma.ca/calgary/register

Wednesday Wisdom: It is not your responsibility to "fix" another person. Via Blessing Manifesting.

Friday Read from Washington Post: The author shares his own complicated feelings of remorse and regret after a close friend of his died by suicide and reflects on what he has learned from the experience. https://www.washingtonpost.com//94d57202-bad0-11e9-bad6-60

50 Stories Part 39: Looking at our Board and Leadership in the 2000s. ''The more you learn about Distress Centre, the more you like it. Anyone reviewing that agency gets a lot of energy out of the good that they are doing for the community.'' - Bill Overend, Consultant https://www.distresscentre.com//50-stories-part-39-you-ca/

See our latest update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. We know the pandemic has impacted the mental health of Calagarians. If you need support, please reach out.

Monday Mental Health: Here are some tips and resources for emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, via National Suicide Prevention Lifeline '1-800-273-TALK (8255)'.

Receiving feedback helps us provide the best possible service. If you have contacted us for support by phone, chat or text in the last 14 days, please fill out this 2 minute survey on your experience: http://ow.ly/8LGH50BI9zf