Our Mission

The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region is a 24/7 volunteer-based organization offering confidential, emotional well-being and mental health support, crisis intervention, information referral and education services.

We are guided by the following principles (1)Volunteers play an invaluable role in all services provided; (2)Confidential, non-judgmental support is provided without cost; and (3)Services and programs respond to the changing needs of the community.

About DISTRESS CENTRE OF OTTAWA AND REGION

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 181 volunteers answering over 50,000 calls a year, we provide an integral, important and vital service in the community.

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.

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 for other community groups. Our renowned trainers provide training on diverse topics.  We have incredible workshops that can be tailored to your company's needs.