Kids Help Phone

1. Kids Help Phone is a registered charity that provides free anonymous and confidential telephone counselling services to children from ages 5 – 20. Their services are available 24/7, 365 days a year in English and French.

2. The KHP website has a tab for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and teens where anyone can learn more about Aboriginal cultures through games and activities.

3. The service is available across Canada so that people in urban and rural communities can access counselling.

4. The Jack Project promotes the mental health and well-being of young people in Canada focusing on youth ages 15-20. They offer mental health information and support through school workshops, educator workshops and parent presentations.

5. Individuals can also access over 11,000 community resources across Canada by inputting the community name and selecting the appropriate resource area (e.g., housing, legal help, mental health services, etc.) on the website or by calling KHP directly.

6. 1-800-668-6868

7. Kids Help Phone is culturally sensitive, equitable, and inclusive. The service is open to all children across Canada and addresses issues of culture, gender identity and sexuality.

8. Counsellors are trained professionals with a social science degree (e.g., psychology or social work). Counsellors are available to counsel children with a variety of concerns such as school, physical, mental health, sexuality, and LGBTQ issues.

9. Children can call the toll free number to speak with a counsellor immediately if they have an urgent issue. Or, if their question is not of an urgent nature, there is an option to “Ask Online” though this service is closing at the end of the year.

10. Funding is provided through fundraising, donations from individuals, companies, clubs and associations.

11. There are two versions of the website that are accessed by tabs at the top right. One that is for kids (e.g., feelings, my body), and the other one with issues that pertain more to teens (e.g., sexuality, money, jobs, the law).

12. As a result of closing the Ask Online feature, KHP is expanding their Live Chat option which allows individuals to chat in real time online with a counsellor. The service is available Wed. to Sun. from 6p.m. to 2 a.m. Live Chat is available through their Always There App and can be used on iPhones, Blackberrys, and Androids.