Recent flooding in the region has resulted in local evacuations and road closures. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by the flooding.
Whether we are directly or indirectly impacted by the flooding, the psychological impact of such events can be immediate or delayed, and those affected feel a range of emotions and reactions. It is important that we take care of ourselves and support one another.
Many 503 members work for Employers that have Employee Assistance Programs, and we would encourage those affected to seek out help through those avenues, as well as others resources and community supports (listed below).
We would also like to extend a thank you to all the 503 members in the community for their extraordinary efforts in helping with the flood response. Your contributions have been outstanding.
In addition to EAP resources, the following is a list resources and community supports:
- Responding to stressful events
- Helping children cope
- Helping teens cope
- Taking care of ourselves, our families and our communities
- Coping with traumatic stress
- The Distress Centre answers calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with crisis line specialists providing confidential support. Callers can reach the Centre at 613-238-3311.
- The Mental Health Crisis Line answers calls for people ages 16 or older 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers can reach the line at 613-722-6914.
- Tel-Aide Outaouais offers French-language mental health telephone support from 8 a.m. to midnight every day. Ottawa residents can call 613-741-6433 and Gatineau residents can contact 819-775-3223.
- The Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) provides confidential 24/7 phone and web counselling for children ages 20 and under.
- The Youth Services Bureau (YSB) provides youth and family counselling, crisis support, a 24/7 crisis line at 613-260-2360, walk-in counseling and an online crisis chat service for youth at chat.ysb.ca.
- The Walk-In Counselling Clinics provide free, confidential single session counseling sessions throughout Ottawa
- Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744 (TTY 613-580-9656).
- 211 connects callers to community, social, government and health service information in Ottawa 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and multilingual.