Answering the Call: Distress Centre Niagara Joins the NOHT-ÉSON
At its August 7 meeting, the NOHT-ÉSON’s Planning Table endorsed Distress Centre Niagara as a new member of the network. Its inclusion reflects the NOHT-ÉSON’s commitment to building strong partnerships across the region to improve health and social care for Niagara residents.
For more than five decades, Distress Centre Niagara has been a lifeline for individuals in emotional distress and crisis. With 24/7 telephone support and a recently expanded 24/7 text and chat program, the Centre provides confidential, judgment-free help to thousands of people each year. In 2024 alone, it handled more than 17,000 distress and crisis contacts and 5,000 access line inquiries.
“Our work is rooted in prevention and intervention,” said Stacy Terry, Executive Director. “We’re often the first point of contact for someone in crisis, and we’re honoured to be invited into those moments when people need help the most. Joining the NOHT-ÉSON network will allow us to strengthen connections with our partners and align even more effectively with health system efforts in Niagara.”
A Hub for Mental Health and Addictions Support
Beyond crisis services, Distress Centre Niagara operates the Mental Health and Addictions Access Line, the coordinated entry point for adults seeking supports across the region. This vital service is offered in collaboration with over 20 partners, many of whom are already part of the NOHT-ÉSON.
The Centre is also a local provider of Canada’s 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline, launched in late 2024. Through geo-routing, the Centre responds to calls and texts from people across Niagara and Ontario’s West Region, ensuring timely and local support.
Powered by Volunteers
A unique aspect of Distress Centre Niagara is its inverted support model. While many organizations rely primarily on staff, the Centre’s frontline crisis and distress services are volunteer-driven. With approximately 110 volunteers — and a goal to double that number — the organization empowers trained volunteers to be the first point of contact, supported 24/7 by professional staff.
A Natural Partnership
Distress Centre Niagara’s decision to join the NOHT-ÉSON was a natural extension of its collaborative work. “We’re already deeply connected to many of the organizations at the Planning Table,” Terry noted. “This partnership allows us to align with shared priorities and participate in initiatives that improve the client experience.”
The NOHT-ÉSON is proud to welcome Distress Centre Niagara and looks forward to the valuable insights and contributions they will bring to advancing integrated, person-centred care across Niagara.
Click here to learn more about Distress Centre Niagara.
