CLABC

Crisis Line Association of British Columbia

Crisis Line Network 

 

Currently there are 14 crisis lines responding to over 175,000 calls each year in B.C. and yet areas not serviced through a local crisis line still remain.  Some callers are not able to get through to a crisis line worker when they need one. 

 

To answer these needs, CLABC is developing the Crisis Line Network of BC which will link crisis lines across BC through a single number.  The network will ensure that everyone in BC has 24/7 access to immediate,, confidential, evidence-based emotional support, crisis intervention and suicide prevention. 

 

Within the network, clients will be first routed to their local crisis line. Should this crisis line be busy supporting another client, the call will be routed to another in the network, thereby ensuring more people receive the support they need, when they need it.

 

This approach provides the benefits of provincial standards and supports while keeping services at the local level.  In this way, the network provides greater access to a high-quality, consistent service while at the same time, strengthening the community safety net.   

 

Goals of the project include;

1)  Provide 24/7 quality crisis line services based on evidence, better practices and evaluation consistently across the province; 

2)  Provide equitable access to trained crisis line workers through a single number that can be reached from anywhere in B.C.;

3) Move toward a 100% answer rate with no call to this critical service going unanswered;

4) Support effective allocation of resources to ensure the ongoing improvement and development of the network.

 

In the interim, the 310-6789 network has been developed linking crisis lines across the province to provide mental health information and support to the people of B.C.