The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive crisis support and suicide prevention services across the province of British Columbia. Established in 1969, the Centre has a long-standing history of offering free, confidential, and non-judgmental emotional support to individuals of all ages experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts[5].

Mission and Services

The organization operates with the mission to help people help themselves and others manage crises and reduce suicide risk. It provides 24/7 immediate access to barrier-free support through phone and SMS crisis lines. These services are designed to offer help and hope to individuals, organizations, and communities facing mental health challenges or suicidal ideation[1][5].

The Centre's crisis workers provide intervention and emotional support, and when necessary, facilitate emergency responses through mental health teams or other emergency services. They also offer referrals to local resources for ongoing support, contributing to a comprehensive network of care for those in need[3][5].

Training and Community Education

Beyond direct crisis support, the Centre places significant emphasis on education and empowerment. It delivers a range of training programs aimed at promoting mental wellness and suicide prevention across communities. Notable programs include:

• ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training): A globally recognized suicide intervention training program that equips participants with skills to identify and respond to individuals at risk of suicide, fostering a community-wide preventive response[1].

• safeTALK: A half-day training designed to help people recognize signs of suicidal thoughts and connect individuals to appropriate support[1].

• Youth-focused workshops that raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and build supportive communication skills among students from grades 6 through 12[1].

• Free online mental health education tailored for teens to provide practical tools for navigating life challenges and mental health issues[1].

These programs facilitate community capacity building, aiming to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and create supportive environments for vulnerable populations.

Volunteer and Organizational Structure

The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC is largely operated by a dedicated volunteer base of over 450 frontline crisis workers, supported by professional staff who provide training, supervision, and organizational management. This volunteer-driven model enables the Centre to maintain its 24/7 service availability and community reach effectively[5].

Impact and Recognition

As one of British Columbia's key mental health support organizations, the Centre plays a critical role in suicide prevention efforts province-wide. It collaborates with other mental health agencies and participates in public awareness campaigns, notably on World Suicide Prevention Day, encouraging the public to learn suicide prevention skills and contribute to a suicide-safer province[5].

The Centre’s services and training programs reflect a holistic approach to crisis intervention by combining immediate support with community education to foster resilience and reduce suicide rates.

This nonprofit is registered under the Canadian business number 106993322RR0001 and operates with a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity for all residents of British Columbia.

[1] https://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca [2] https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/crisis-intervention-and-suicide-prevention-centre-bc [3] https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/resource/1-800-suicide-0 [4] https://endingviolence.org/hope2health/healthcare-workers/healthcare-resources/healthcare-follow-up-care/suicide-risk-resources/ [5] https://bc.cmha.ca/news/cmha-bc-and-crisis-centres-urge-british-columbians-to-learn-suicide-prevention-skills/