Distress Centre Durham (DCD) is a community-based program that has been in operation since 1970. The primary support offered by this program is a HELP LINE run by specially trained community volunteers. The help line is available to offer emotional support and encouragement for community members who are seeking phone support without a referral or a wait time. Volunteers are trained to assess for suicidality and offer a crisis response depending on the need of the caller.
DCD also runs a call-out program designed for community members, including seniors, who benefit from scheduled calls from our amazing volunteers. DCD is an incredibly important service for individuals in our community who sometimes feel alone, experience mental health crises and require emergency response, or may be looking for information about local mental health resources. It can be a lifeline for our most vulnerable community members. DCD support services relies solely on donated funds for all operations. Without the generous support from our community, this essential service would not be sustainable.
The call out program is not currently accepting new referrals. More information will be provided when the referral process resumes.
Suicide Survivors Program Referrals can be directed to Central Connect.