TELECARE MODELS EMPATHIZING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Abbotsford, BC (April 26, 2021) – Telecare Crisis & Caring Line is supporting the 71st annual Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Mental Health Week by encouraging the community to empathize with people’s issues, not fix them. These times have been fraught with clashing opinions on diverse health and environmental issues and our mental health has suffered when sides form and tempers rise. The CMHA Mental Health Week is promoting empathy to help calm the air. Empathy is the ability to see and feel another person’s point of view and pain. 

“Some people who call our service express frustration, anger, even hate. But it’s not our job to change or challenge them” said Bill Strom, Executive Director at Telecare. “We try our best to listen empathetically to understand where they are coming from and let them vent.. That’s why we support the CMHA’s call to see the world as others do. We would all do well to understand others first even if we may not agree.”

Telecare, a faith-based Christian ministry, operates a free call centre to anyone who calls regardless of race, creed, or social standing. The registered charity is based out of Abbotsford with trained volunteers listening to how callers are feeling, no matter their opinion. Telecare models empathetic listening by listening to and validating callers’ opinions. 

In addition, Telecare offers a workshop on active empathetic listening to community groups especially those in social services and ministry. Listen Up! focuses on active empathic listening, loneliness, depression, loss, and family estrangement. “We also offer a revised lunch hour version for businesses who see listening as key to better customer service and team building,’ Strom explained. 

Telecare launched their Take Action for Telecare fundraiser on May 1st that runs for the entire month. Telecare’s call rate increased during the pandemic and in the wake of the flood, yet donations during the first few months of 2022 have been slim.  A $312 donation supports Telecare for a full 12-hour day. The first $6000 received in May will be doubled by generous matching donors.

Telecare is also actively recruiting new volunteers to keep up with the growing need for mental health support services. Training is mostly online at one’s own pace, and serving can be done in the safety and comfort of home.

For more information about the Telecare services, volunteering or to donate to Telecare, visit www.telecarebc.com