What’s new

Your Support Services Network joins the 9-8-8 network, supporting a new national Suicide Crisis  Helpline  

YSSN to deliver 24/7 support to Canadians in crisis

Your Support Services Network (YSSN) has been providing community crisis response services since 1999 to people in North York, York Region and South Simcoe who are feeling depressed, distressed, lonely, anxious, scared, angry, having thoughts of harming themselves or are worried that they have nowhere to go.   

YSSN is proud to announce its partnership with 9-8-8, a new national Suicide Crisis Helpline. 

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. Funded by the Government of Canada, 9-8-8 responders are available 24/7 to listen and provide help without judgement, in both English and French, to anyone thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Responders work with callers and texters to find ways to cope when things feel overwhelming and help them find a path to safety. 

As a 9-8-8 partner, YSSN is one of 17 agencies in Ontario and one of 40 crisis lines across Canada who are providing support to people who call 9-8-8.  

“We are thankful for the opportunity to use our 20+ years of experience in crisis response to serve Canadians,” stated Kimberly Thorn, Executive Director, Your Support Services Network. “It is so important that people can access help when and where they need it. This new 9-8-8 national Suicide Crisis Helpline is a major step in providing at-the-ready supports for people who feel they are out of options and will no doubt make a real difference in the lives of Canadians.” 

With over 40 years of service to the community, YSSN remains committed to meeting the growing demand for services and maintaining its core focus on supporting each person’s journey. Joining the 9-8-8 network is integral to YSSN’s commitment to support people in York Region and beyond. 

“We welcome investments such as this one, given our crisis programs served just under 20 000 people last year, an all-time high that continues to gain momentum,” continued Thorn. “Community support has increasingly become a lifeline to people and families who are in need.” 

Suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds. An average of 4,500 people across Canada die by suicide each year – approximately 12 people per day. 9-8-8 aims to prevent suicide by making it as simple as possible for people to get the support they need, when they need it, no matter who they are or where they are within Canada. 

While 9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know, no one who reaches out to 9-8-8 will be turned away. You are not alone. 

About 9-8-8: 

9-8-8 is a national Suicide Crisis Helpline for anyone across Canada who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, 9-8-8 is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Public Health Agency of Canada. A growing network of more than 40 experienced local and national crisis lines across the country provide culturally appropriate, lifesaving support to people who call or text 9-8-8. 

For a full list of 9-8-8 Partners, visit https://988.ca/about.  

About YSSN: 

Your Support Services Network (YSSN), a hub for developmental, mental health and children’s services that helps people navigate services to live their best life.  

YSSN is a CARF accredited, not-for-profit social services organization for people who live with serious mental illness and/or a developmental disability, and children with complex service needs. We work with people, alongside their families and caregivers, to access services and build connections that support their unique needs. We offer direct services, such as 24/7 crisis support, and coordination with and referral to community partners. 

YSSN is a proud partner in 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. As a 9-8-8 partner, we are part of a network of local and national crisis lines across the country whose responders take 9-8-8 calls. 

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, or you are worried about someone you know, call toll-free, anytime for support in English and French. 9-8-8 responders are here to listen and provide help without judgement. 

Your Support Services Network is here for you. It’s your journey, it’s your way.