Telecare's #GivingTuesday Campaign
As we approach the season of giving, we're excited about #GivingTuesday. It's not just another day to mark on our calendars; it's a day that sparks a change in how we perceive generosity. To give - CLICK HERE
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When Life Is Hard: Listening to Ned’s Story
Ned* began calling Telecare six years ago in the wake of a bad fall he took at work that left him unable to work without experiencing severe back pain. Efforts to learn new skills have been complicated by his health condition and general aptitudes.
When Telecare's call responders asked how he’s doing emotionally, he is quick to answer “managing”.
Ned is fortunate to live in an apartment complex with a common meeting area where he can play cards and attend a monthly dinner sponsored by a local charity. Two years ago he asked the dinner organizers if he could do anything, and they happily agreed that he could help with dishwashing. We affirm Ned’s choice to keep active and invest in purposeful activities despite ongoing pain.
When we ask who’s in his life, he mentions a brother in a nearby town, and a friend he used to work with. While he’s not close to either, his brother does help him from time to time with lifting and carrying, and his friend brings his dog by for brief visits.
In Ned’s case we serve him by hearing his heart on these matters, being present, and validating that his life is hard yet he is making wise choices. He often signs off with a warm thank you for us being there for him.
*Composite profile to maintain caller confidentiality; not the caller's real name
Need Someone to Listen?
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. If you're seeking a compassionate ear and a heart that understands, we encourage you to call us. Support is just a phone call away. See below for information how to connect with us.
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For Crisis or Emotional Support Call:
- 604-852-9099 in Abbotsford and Mission
- 1-888-852-9099 toll free throughout British Columbia
- If you are in a life threatening crisis, please call 911
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The first time Samuel* called he was upbeat and positive. He shared with us that life was good in the big city. He lived on his own in his newly-renovated apartment, and drove one of the nicest cars in his complex. Samuel shared that he kept fit and wondered at times if he was the envy of other elderly men—and women—around him.
Robert* began calling Telecare in 2020 during the pandemic. We learned that he had been living on his own already due to a messy divorce from his wife and being “written off” by two daughters. Robert shared that he misses his family immensely and wants to reconcile with them. We affirmed that reconciliation is a worthy goal while not always possible.
Kerri began calling Telecare in her 50s when life’s struggles were too much to carry alone. She shared about being raised in a family where her father was an alcoholic and her mother schizophrenic.
Cindy* calls us on a semi-regular basis and has done so for many years. When she first began to call Telecare she was married and dealing with various challenges, including having been arrested for shoplifting and for using drugs.
One day Louisa told me that she felt like she was nobody’s priority, nobody’s first choice. It hit me that her biggest problem was not unemployment or even the loss she had experienced, but more the crushing belief that she did not matter.
On any given day, millions of people from all walks of life around the world reach out to someone for help. Whether it's due to mental health concerns, stressful life events like the loss of a loved one, substance use disorder challenges or something else entirely—seeking assistance is both brave and necessary.
When someone calls our Telecare Crisis and Caring Line, they often have nowhere else to turn. For some, life has become overwhelmingly difficult and lonesome.
As we approach the season of giving, we're excited about #GivingTuesday. It's not just another day to mark on our calendars; it's a day that sparks a change in how we perceive generosity.
Contact Info
Emergencies: 911
Supportive Listening: 604-852-9099
Supportive Listening (Toll Free): 1-888-852-9099
Admin. 604-852-4058
Email: admin@telecarebc.com