University of Guelph selected to pilot Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone

Students at the University of Guelph now have access to mental health help 24/7.

The school was selected as the first university to pilot the new Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone.

The line offers texting support at any hour, providing students with access to confidential crisis resolution.

Students can text “UofG” to 686868 for free, and all messages are directed to Kids Help Phone's trained volunteer Crisis Responders who will offer immediate help.

Professional texting supervisors will also help coach volunteers to help manage escalated situations, if an active rescue is needed.

In a release, Alison Burnett, Director of Student Wellness at the University of Guelph says “we want our students to know that it's ok to not be ok, and it's ok to ask for help. And this text service is available whenever they need it.”

The Co-operators also played an active role in the partnership.

“We're proud to be a founding partner of this important service, which gives young people much-needed access to mental health services in the way they most commonly prefer to connect,” says Barbara Turley-McIntyre, Vice President, Sustainability and Citizenship at The Co-operators in a press release. “Promoting mental wellbeing and destigmatizing mental illness, especially among youth, is an important part of our commitment to build healthier, more sustainable Canadian communities.” 

A national launch of the service is expected later in the year.