CLABC

Crisis Line Association of British Columbia

1-800-SUICIDE 

 

1-800-SUICIDE is available 24/7 anywhere in B.C. and ensures that people have access to skilled suicide assessment and intervention when they need it most. 

 

The service, based on an innovative project started by the U.S. Hopeline Foundation, networks five accredited crisis lines across B.C.

 

The focus is on answering and supporting suicide-related calls.  Crisis line workers use evidence-based techniques and a province-wide Emergency Resource Database to support callers.  If needed, crisis line workers are able to provide intervention through emergency mental health teams or other emergency services. 

 

The service was officially launched on September 10, 2004 (World Suicide Prevention Day) and to date has supported thousands of people.  The majority of calls are answered in under 20 seconds. 

 

Based on these successes in 2005, the 1-800-SUICIDE service won the B.C. Association of Broadcasters’ Humanity Award which provided over 3 million dollars in TV and radio airtime. 

 

In 2007, an evaluation of the 1-800-SUICIDE service identified better practices and key learnings which further improved the service and was used in the development of a second provincial service, the 310-6789 to provide mental health information and support.