Telecare Crisis & Caring Line is supporting the 70th annual Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Mental Health Week by encouraging the community to get real about how they feel and name it, not numb it.  These are times of extreme anxiety and stress and mental health is something people can protect, not just something to lose. The CMHA Mental Health Week is focusing on how naming, expressing, and dealing with emotions – the ones you like and the ones you do not – supports your mental health.

 

Telecare, a faith-based Christian ministry, operates a free call centre to anyone who calls regardless of race, creed, or social standing. The registered charity is based out of Abbotsford with volunteers available to listen to how callers are feeling, no matter their emotion. Telecare uses empathetic listening to encourage callers to express themselves and how they are feeling.

 

“Some measure of healing happens when we name our feelings and share them with others–call it a burden lifted or a weight shared. This is why we encourage our callers to name how they feel. Angry? Glad? Frustrated? Depressed? It’s all okay.” said Bill Strom, Executive Director at Telecare. “Telecare is pleased to join the CMHA Mental Health week in raising awareness about the importance of talking about our feelings.”

 

Telecare also launched their Take Action for Telecare fundraiser on May 1st that runs for the entire month of May.  Telecare’s call volume has increased significantly since the start of the pandemic and with a decrease in donations during the first few months of 2021, they are reaching out for community support. The organization is asking for donations in increments of $26, the cost it takes for Telecare to operate for one hour/shift.  A $312 donation supports Telecare for a full 12-hour day. The first $5000 in donations received in May will also be doubled by a generous matching donor.

 

“We’re happy to support the Take Action for Telecare campaign.” shared the anonymous matching donor.  “This year, more than ever, we know that Telecare needs the extra help to continue providing such an essential service to our community.”

 

Telecare is also actively recruiting new volunteers to keep up with the growing need for mental health support services. With the call line open between 9:00am-9:00pm, seven days per week, Telecare’s goal is to always have their phone line answered.

 

For more information about the Telecare services, volunteering or to donate to Telecare, visit www.telecarebc.com