PHONE FOR SUPPORT: 1-888-852-9099, 9 AM TO 9:00 PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK
Hilda* became a volunteer a few sad years after her husband Al died of cancer. She had seen the volunteer recruitment poster on her churches bulletin board and decided she would attend the information evening to learn more.
Volunteering
Volunteering was not something new for Hilda. Throughout their marriage she and Al had regularly helped out for various church events, fundraisers, and congregational dinners. When their two sons were young they had been quick to lend a hand with the school fairs, and later had started to care for their small grand daughter; an afternoon a week. Hilda liked to help and to make herself useful, but the type of volunteering now suggested on the poster left her wondering if she was taking on too much. Could she really be someone who could respond to people who called on a crisis line? It was a frightening, yet compelling thought.
Relating and Connecting
During the stressful couple of years when her husband was battling cancer, Hilda had witnessed first hand the agony and loneliness of suffering. When she accompanied her husband for tests or treatments, she had spent many hours sitting in waiting rooms. Often she found herself listening to other patients or their families as they told her about the trials they were going through. She could relate. When they spoke about the sadness they felt, she could connect. Many times the same people sought her out and she would listen with empathy. The day came when Al’s condition worsened and Hilda needed to devote all of her time to caring for him.
After Al’s passing, Hilda had no free emotional space to give to anyone else. She was consumed by grief.
New Life
Slowly, Hilda created a new life without Al. She went out with her friends, learned new hobbies, went on a few vacations and started to volunteer at her church. Now she was considering becoming a volunteer on a crisis line. She felt she had worked through the grief and wanted to begin to share her time with the people who would call. When the date for the information evening came, Hilda sat with a number of other prospective volunteers in the basement room of a local church. After hearing about the training program from the organizers, and having her questions answered, Hilda signed up for the crisis line training. She enjoyed the weekly meetings presented on the different topics. She heard about active listening, caring confrontation, communication skills and many other topics. She felt somewhat awkward doing the role-plays with the other trainees, but after practice she began to feel more comfortable simulating how to respond to a caller.
Hilda has now been a crisis line volunteer for many years. She signs up for a regular shift and has responded to hundreds of calls. She knows what loss feels like, and she knows what compassion sounds like.
_ _ _ _ _
Written by Debbie Cazander
*Names have been changed to protect anonymity
Need Someone to Listen?
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. If you're seeking a compassionate ear and a heart that understands, we encourage you to call us. Support is just a phone call away. See below for information how to connect with us.
Discover Hope in Every Email
Join our community for uplifting stories, expert advice, and a path to healing.
Get the support you need
For Crisis or Emotional Support Call:
- 604-852-9099 in Abbotsford and Mission
- 1-888-852-9099 toll free throughout British Columbia
- If you are in a life threatening crisis, please call 911
Recent Posts
> End your Anxiety: A Prayerful Approach
> Renew your Strength – God's Promise to You
> Bible Verses that Help When You're Afraid | Telecare
Join us for Listen Up!—an engaging and practical workshop aimed at improving your listening skills in ministry and caregiving roles.
Telecare is taking a bold step into the future of emotional support by reintroducing chat services, offering a lifeline to those who need it most in a way that meets them where they are.
When my husband passed away three years ago, I lost more than a partner—I lost my sense of purpose. My name is Margaret, and I’m 72 years old. I spent nearly 50 years married to the love of my life, building a home, raising children, and sharing every part of my day with him. When he was gone, the house we filled with laughter and memories became unbearably quiet.
One night, lying awake in the early hours, I came across Telecare’s number while scrolling through mental health resources. Something about the phrase “compassionate listening” gave me the courage to call. My hands shook as I dialled, but I thought, What do I have to lose?
Life is filled with moments of difficulty, pain, and uncertainty. In such times, finding words to express our emotions or to pray can feel impossible. The Psalms, however, offer a lifeline.
At Telecare Crisis & Caring Line, our mission to provide compassionate listening and support during personal crises is made possible by our dedicated volunteers and generous donors. Over the years, we have received thousands of calls from people seeking someone to listen.
Another change at Telecare is that we are returning to cohort training twice a year rather than on-your-own training via online resources.
Dr. Dave Currie, a renowned relationship expert and the founder of Doing Family Right, has dedicated over 40 years to strengthening marriages and families through faith-based counselling, teaching, and writing.
We are thrilled to invite you to Telecare’s Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner—a special evening to celebrate the incredible people like you who help make a difference in our community. Whether through donations or volunteering, your support is essential in providing a lifeline to those at risk.
In this blog, we’ll explore how improving your listening skills can make a massive difference in your caregiving role and introduce you to our “Listen Up!” workshop, a fantastic opportunity to enhance your ability to listen, connect, and make a lasting impact.
