Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region Information

We are the people who are here, day or night, 24/7, to answer the calls from those who are reaching out for help. Callers may have simple questions. Or they may be in crisis. Either way, with more than 200 volunteers answering over 60,000 calls a year, we provide an integral, important and vital service in the community.WHO COUNTS ON US?At any given time of day or night, people out there require our help. Whether they're depressed, lonely, overwhelmed or so distraught they're contemplating suicide, they will find a supportive and caring person at our end of the line. People of all ages, races, genders and social-economic groups call our confidential service, trusting that we'll always be here. And that's a trust we will simply never betray. WHO DO WE COUNT ON?Our volunteers. We couldn't do what we do without them. Although they come from all walks of life, they do have some things in common - they give not only their time, but themselves. Patient, understanding and giving, Distress Centre volunteers are trained to listen, talk through concerns or provide community resource information. In other words, whatever is needed, our volunteers are there.WHAT ELSE DO WE DO?We provide training, not only for our own volunteers, but for other groups as well, including colleges and universities, social service agencies, businesses, government departments and police staff. Our professional trainers, renowned for their expertise and knowledge, have trained on topics as diverse as conflict management, communication skills, stress management, suicide prevention, crisis intervention and more.