As the wildfire situation in northwestern Ontario continues to intensify, Kids Help Phone is encouraging young people and families affected by evacuations, smoke and uncertainty to access mental health supports.
The non-profit launched a dedicated wildfire portal offering resources and coping strategies for managing wildfire-related anxiety, stress, panic and trauma.
“Kids Help Phone is reaching out to remind young people potentially impacted by the wildfires of our free, 24/7, confidential, and multilingual mental health support,” Media Relations Manager Warren Hardie wrote. “We want to ensure that no young person has to navigate this crisis alone.”
Youth in need can also text 686868, use the online messaging service, or call 1-800-668-6868 to connect with a professional counsellor. Adults can text 741741 to reach a trained crisis responder.
Kids Help Phone says the resources are intended to help people navigate the emotional impacts of wildfires.
