It’s 2:17 a.m. The house is quiet, but your mind isn’t. Maybe it’s your own thoughts that feel too heavy. Maybe it’s someone you love. Three digits keep echoing in your head.

You can call or text 9-8-8.
Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365 in English and French. A trained responder will meet you where you are—without judgment—and help you find your next, safer step.
But if your crisis involves family or intimate partner violence, your best call is to the Thompson Crisis Centre’s 24-hour local crisis line. That number connects you directly to our team in Thompson, where we provide shelter, safety planning, counselling, and advocacy.

Both numbers matter. They serve different needs—and together, they mean you’re never truly alone.

Why 9-8-8 exists (and why it matters here)

9-8-8 was created so no one has to figure out “where to call” while they’re in distress. Whether you’re in Thompson, Winnipeg, or a rural community, 9-8-8 connects you to a trained responder quickly. If a local responder isn’t free, a national hub steps in so you still speak to a human—fast. From there, you can be guided to nearby supports in Manitoba, including resources for ongoing safety planning around family violence.

If a local crisis line isn’t available, a national hub answers—so no call goes unanswered.

What actually happens when you call or text 9-8-8

Step 1 — Reach out.
Dial or text 9-8-8. You don’t need perfect words. “I’m not safe with my thoughts” is enough.

Step 2 — You’re answered by a trained responder.
They’ll introduce themselves, listen, and ask what’s happening right now. Everything is confidential and judgment-free.

Step 3 — You co-create a plan.
Together, you’ll look at ways to reduce immediate risk (staying with someone, removing means, grounding techniques), and you’ll get clear next-step options—including relevant services in Manitoba.

Step 4 — If it’s life-threatening, they’ll guide you to emergency care.
9-8-8 supports you through suicidal thoughts and intense distress. If there’s imminent danger to life, emergency services are the fastest route.

“Is it really 24/7? What about wait times?”

Yes. 9-8-8 runs around the clock by phone and text. If a local line is busy, your call or text is answered by a national responder so you’re not left waiting. The focus is always the same: get you help, right now.

For night owls, teens, and helpers

In the middle of the night:
Texting can feel easier when the house is quiet. You’ll still reach a trained responder who takes your situation seriously.

If you’re a teen or young adult:
You deserve support that speaks your language. Text-based help is available 24/7, with referrals to youth-friendly resources after your chat.

If you’re calling for a friend:
Ask how to help them tonight. Responders will coach you on what to say (and what not to say), how to encourage professional help, and where to find Manitoba-based supports to share.

Privacy, language, and accessibility

• Confidential: The conversation is private and focused on your immediate safety.
  
• Bilingual: Support is available in English and French, by call or text, 24/7.
  
• Local referrals: Tell the responder where you are so the follow-up options fit your community in Manitoba.

When to call Thompson Crisis Centre instead

If your crisis is about domestic or family violence, please call TCC directly at [ +1 (204) 778 7273 ].

Here’s why:

• Our line connects you straight to our staff in Thompson.
  
• We provide safe shelter, counselling and support programs, and safety planning tailored to people experiencing violence.
  
• We understand the unique dynamics of abuse and the steps needed to protect you and your family.

Remember: 9-8-8 responders can be supportive and may point you to TCC, but calling us directly saves time and ensures you connect immediately to those who specialize in family violence support.

Quick, use-now safety tips

• Name one safe person you can text if your thoughts spike.
  
• Reduce access to means (store medications safely; remove items of concern).
  
• Ground yourself: try the 5-4-3-2-1 senses check, hold an ice cube, step outside and name three things you can see.
  
• Save these numbers in your phone so you can tap them without thinking.

Quick tips if you’re not sure which number to call

• If you’re thinking about suicide, or worried someone else is—call or text 9-8-8.
• If you’re unsafe at home, experiencing abuse, or need a shelter—call TCC’s 24-hour crisis line.
• If in doubt, call either. You’ll reach a caring person who can guide you to the right place.

FAQs

Will they call the police on me?
The goal is collaborative, least-intrusive support. Emergency services are used only if there’s an immediate, life-threatening risk that can’t be managed another way.

I’m travelling—who answers my call or text?
9-8-8 aims to connect you to the closest available responder. Tell them where you are so referrals match your current location.

What if I need ongoing help after tonight?
Ask the responder for local options. Then contact Thompson Crisis Centre for family-violence-focused safety planning, counselling, and shelter in Manitoba.