What is 9-8-8?

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is a new three-digit helpline that 

provides urgent, live support by phone and text to people in 

every province and territory across the country. 

9-8-8 is available in English and French, 24 hours a day, every 

single day of the year across the country. 

9-8-8 is for anyone thinking about suicide, or worried someone 

they know. Trained 9-8-8 responders will answer calls and texts 

and listen without judgement while providing support. 

9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is 

worried about someone they know. 

Suicide prevention is the primary focus of 9-8-8, but no one who 

calls or texts the helpline will be turned away. Everyone who 

contacts 9-8-8 will be assessed for suicide risk, and all 9-8-8 

responders are trained to respond to people going through a 

range of crises.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, 

Ontario is leading and coordinating the delivery of 9-8-8 

nationwide. 

A growing network of more than 40 experienced local, 

provincial and territorial, and national crisis lines across the 

country provide culturally appropriate, lifesaving support to 

people who call or text 9-8-8.

9-8-8 is funded by the Government of Canada, through the 

Public Health Agency of Canada

If asked about this, CAMH and 9-8-8 partners will respond with 

the following: 

Whether or not 9-8-8 appears on your phone bill depends on 

your service provider. Please contact the company that provides 

your phone services to find out if 9-8-8 will show up on your bill.