Resources & Supports | Canada Reads 2022
The Canada Reads 2022 books touch on difficult topics, which may come up in the debates.
Topics covered may include residential schools, intergenerational trauma, war and the refugee crisis, child neglect and abuse, racism, poverty, slavery and more.
Please take care when listening and viewing. If any of these subjects are difficult for you, please review these resources to learn about the supports available — and how to get help when you need it.
Residential schools
Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at residential schools or by the latest reports. A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected.
People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
Child neglect and abuse
If you or a child you know needs help, you can call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, text CONNECT to 686868 or access a live chat at kidshelpphone.ca.
Sexual assault and abuse
Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. You can access crisis lines and local support services at endingviolencecanada.org.
If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.
War violence and refugees
If you are fleeing violence or war, you can contact the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture by calling 1-416-363-1066.
You can also find local support services at this website.
Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance abuse, you can call Wellness Together Canada at 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741. You can also find local support services at this website.
If you're in immediate danger, please call 911.
Slavery
This show may include discussion around depictions of the inhumanity faced by enslaved people from African countries during the transatlantic slave trade. This may be traumatizing to some listeners and viewers. You can find local support services at the Black Health Alliance.
Black youth can also call the Black Youth Helpline at 1-833-294-8650.
Mental health support
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can call Wellness Together Canada at 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741.
Suicidal ideation
You can find local resources and regional support services in Canada by visiting this website or find a 24-hour crisis centre via the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
Nationwide services:
- The Canada Suicide Prevention Service: Call 1-833-456-4566 (available 24/7) or text 45645 (available 4pm to midnight)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 686868
- Kids Help Phone (ages 5-20, French and English): Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: Call 1-855-242-3310
- Trans Lifeline: Call 877-330-6366
- LGBT Youth Line: Call 1-800-268-9688 or text 647-694-4275
