Anyone who has been exposed to what is considered a major trauma in our society now has the option of texting a crisis line for help.
Bobbi Simmons-Beauchamp, a sergeant with the Fredericton Police Force said the text line is a pilot project in coordination with Hope 4 Heroes Canada and Kids Help Phone.
She said it’s a way for first responders to get the help they need when they’re struggling. The text line started up in August.
“The goal really is to provide a service to public safety professionals in times of crisis when they feel that they really don’t have many options in terms of support,” she said.
Simmons-Beauchamp said the text line is for anyone who is affected by major trauma experienced in our society.
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“When we think of public safety personnel, we think of the primary three which come to mind, police fire and ambulance, but we also know that they are not the only individuals who are affected by a public safety emergency,” she said.
Simmons-Beauchamp said the list can include people who work at funeral homes, coroners, correctional officers and tow truck drivers.
She said in a time of crisis it’s hard to know what to expect or how to help yourself through it and individual experience fo trauma is personal and what may be traumatic for some may not be traumatic for someone else.
Simmons-Beauchamp said each person who responds to a call will experience it differently depending on past experiences, personality and resiliency and some will be able to go home and not be impacted by it and others will need help
Those who wish to use the service can text H4H to 741741.
“What a person who is using this text line could anticipate is someone on the other end who can appreciate what the person is experiencing but also have the expertise to help them through it.
Simmons-Beauchamp said because regular mental health services can differ depending on the organization the responder works for, it’s important to access employment assistance programs.
Those in need can reach out to Hope 4 Heroes Canada on the website or via email and they can help them with the supports or resources they need.
