Care to Speak (Legacy)

We are happy to announce that the Care to Speak peer support service has expanded to connect those in the social services sector with a Peer who understands as well.

Care to Speak is a peer support service that provides free, unbiased and confidential peer mental health support to anyone working in the Healthcare or Social Services sector.

If you need someone to talk to—about anything—we are here. Connect with us Monday – Friday from 5pm to 9pm and Monday – Wednesday from 10:00am to 2:00pm Pacific Daylight time

Need Support? Connect with us NOW via Chat, Text Message or Phone:

Call or Text:1-866-802-7337

(Standard text message rates apply.)

Confidential Peer Support Online Chat:

Connect with us from Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday to Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. Pacific Time.

Chat Now

Summary

  • Care to Speak is available to any healthcare worker in BC.
  • Since February 1, 2022, this service is available to those working in the social services
  • Our hotline and chat are available Monday to Friday, 5pm to 9pm, and Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
  • Calls and chats are free and confidential.
  • No topic is off-limits. We’re here to listen and support you with whatever you need.
  • Connect with us as many times as you want. There’s no limit.

Peer Supporters

  • You’ll talk or message with a Peer Supporter—someone who shares similar experiences. All our Peer Supporters are interviewed and trained by the Canadian Mental Health Association to provide meaningful support and resources.
  • Our Peer Supporters understand what it is like navigating complex and evolving situations, while offering emotional and mental health support during these unprecedented times. Our Peers are here to offer a deep level of empathy.
  • Connect with an experienced Peer Supporter today!
  • Click here to meet some of your Peer Supporters.

Confidentiality

  • All interactions are confidential and unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or someone else. We also have a legal duty to report any actual or suspected child abuse or neglect.
  • The service is not affiliated with any union or employer. There is no intake process, and anyone working in the healthcare or social services sector can get support in minutes.
  • Click here to review our terms and conditions.

Who Can Call?

Anyone working within these facilities would fall withing the Healthcare sector. However, keep in mind this list is not all inclusive and is here to give service users a general overview. 

  • Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Facility   
  • Care Facility   
  • COVID Response  
  • Doctors Office   
  • Home Health  
  • Hospice/Palliative Care Homes   
  • Hospital/ Emergency Services  
  • In a Laboratory Setting  
  • Long-Term Care Facility   
  • Nursing Home   
  • Pharmacy   
  • Public Health 
  • Other 

Anyone working within these jobs or facilities would fall within the Social Services sector. However, keep in mind this list is not all inclusive and is here to give service users a general overview. 

  • Activity Worker   
  • Adult, Youth and /or Child Worker   
  • Child Care Consultant   
  • Child Care Resource and Referral Worker   
  • Community Worker   
  • Counselor/ Therapist  
  • Emergency Shelter Worker   
  • ESL Instructor   
  • Family Support Worker   
  • Group Facilitator   
  • Outreach Worker   
  • Residential Worker   
  • Social Worker   
  • Special Services Worker   
  • Speech Language Pathologist   
  • Teacher/Teacher Assistant   
  • Transition House Worker   
  • Victim Service Worker   
  • Volunteer Coordinator/ Crisis Response 
  • Other 

Want to become a Peer Supporter?

Volunteering as a Peer Supporter is a rewarding experience. You’ll learn new, useful skills and support others in need.

Mandatory requirements to be a Peer Supporter:

  • Volunteers must live within British Columbia.
  • Volunteers must be working or have worked in the healthcare or social service sector.
  • Volunteers must be able to work one shift per week during operating hours (Monday – Friday from 5pm to 9pm, and Monday – Wednesday from 10:00am to 2:00pm Pacific Daylight time).
  • Volunteers need their own computer and stable internet connection.

Click here to learn more and apply.

New Updates

  • Since the start of this Peer Support service, Care to Speak has supported over 300 British Columbians!
  • In a survey given to healthcare workers who accessed Care to Speak to manage their mental health, 93% of users say they would use the service again and 89% had an increased ability to cope.
  • The Care to Speak Peer Support service is now available to those working in the Social Services sector as well.
  • Starting February 1st, you can now TEXT or call the Peer Support number 1-866-802-7337 (PEER)