NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION WATERLOO WELLINGTON
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As of 5 p.m. on Mar. 29, 2018, Here 24/7 will take the place of the Distress Centre. The change comes as CMHA Waterloo Wellington continuously adapts to external funding and finding the best method of serving the community of Waterloo Region, Guelph, and Wellington County.
CMHA WW believes the realignment with Here 24/7’s continued availability as a first-point-of-call for individuals in crisis, or those looking to be connected to mental health and addictions services will best serve the community moving forward.
“We know the Distress Centre has been a valuable resource for many people in our community,” says Fred Wagner, executive director of CMHA WW. “We believe that Here 24/7 can continue in this tradition, and also grow to better serve individuals in need with our increased investment.”
Additional service coordinators will be hired for Here 24/7, with an eye on strengthening the service during peak calling times. Continued efforts will also be put towards improving mobile response.
“We are incredibly proud of the staff and volunteers who have made the Distress Centre what it is, and we aspire to continue that on with Here 24/7. Ultimately, it’s the people that make our programs and services work,” says Wagner.
The Distress Centre is a Waterloo Region-related service, and changes will not affect Guelph-related services such as Torchlight.
The details:
- On March 29, 2018, Here 24/7 will take over for the Distress Centre, starting at 5 p.m.
- The Distress Centre phone line will continue to remain active for a period of time, redirecting calls to Here 24/7’s phone line
- Here 24/7 is available at all hours at 1-844-437-3247
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