Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph-Wellington will acquire the TeleConnect and Distress Line services from TorchLight effective January 1, 2020. The telephone support services include an inbound distress line, and an outbound phone check-in service.
This acquisition is exciting news for the organizations, and the greater Guelph and Wellington communities. It ensures the continuity of services currently offered by TorchLight and enhances FCSSGW’s capabilities to provide integrated and seamless services to Guelph-Wellington in dealing with issues of mental health, trauma, addictions, and self-harm.
Tammi Winchester, current co-chair of TorchLight, said, “This is a collaborative initiative that is mutually beneficial to both organizations, and ensures the longevity and continued success of Torchlight’s legacy in serving our most vulnerable.”
FCSSGW now has staff in place, and is currently recruiting more volunteers, and promoting the two support lines that will operate between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. seven days a week. Distress Line Lead Colten Ura is appealing for volunteers who are available on weekday and weekend mornings. Qualifying volunteers will receive the necessary training and support in their efforts to further improve the resilience in the Guelph-Wellington community.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Colten Ura at 519-824-2431, ext. 26. Operations will continue at TorchLight without interruption during the transition of service activities. For a full list of services, visit www.TorchlightCanada.org.
