A new crisis texting service has been launched by the federal government for the children and youth of Canadian Armed Forces members.
The joint initiative with Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), Kids Help Phone, and True Patriot Love Foundation will provide all 78,000 children from military families across the country with access to free, mental health and wellbeing support.
In a press release sent from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), it said that military children can access this service by texting the keyword CAFKIDS at 686868 for service in English or the keyword JEUNESFAC at 686868 for support in French.
“Making sure that young people have a means to connect and be supported through hardships is critical, especially in these difficult times. I want every teen and kid to know if they reach out for help, someone will answer,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, in the release.
“Being part of a military family can be tough – it’s okay to want to reach to someone to talk about it.”
This texting service is confidential and will be available 24/7 across Canada.
According to the release, Kids Help Phone has verified that staff and volunteer responders have improved training protocols to better understand the complexities of the military family lifestyle. The organizations involved in the partnership also suggest that the current pandemic can “worsen existing difficulties for kids, and a parent’s or guardian’s deployment during COVID-19 may add significantly to the stress.”
The initiative was sparked because there is a growing feeling from all the parties involved that it is more important now to have systems in place to help families stay connected and access support.
“This partnership is critical as families are forced into self-isolation and many are left unable to access mental health support. We are truly grateful for this partnership during a critical time,” said Katherine Hay, President and CEO of Kids Help Phone.
The launch of the new texting service also comes in April, which is celebrated by the defence community as the ‘Month of the Military Child.’
“The launch of this new dedicated Crisis Text Line for youth is a testament of CFMWS’ commitment to support the Canadian Armed Forces operational effectiveness. When CAF families do well, so do CAF members. This service is one more way that we can support families who contribute so much,” said Sean N. Cantelon, CEO of the Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services.
For more information on the support service for military families, visit www.CAFconnection.ca/CAFKIDS.
Here in British Columbia, additional measures are being taken by the province to expand mental health services to all residents, outside of military families.
Graham Cox
