Make a Difference with Distress Centre
At Distress Centre Calgary, our volunteers are highly trained and committed to providing compassionate support to those in distress. We believe in supporting the incredible work they do by ensuring that they are well-prepared, comfortable, and successful in their roles.
If you would like to volunteer with us, please take a moment to explore the different opportunities we offer and start your application.
Questions? Read our Frequently Asked Questions. If your question is not listed, you can email us at volunteer@distresscentre.com.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Crisis Line Responder Volunteer
Age: 18+
Our highly trained volunteers are dedicated to providing compassionate support to those in distress. As a volunteer with Distress Centre Calgary, you will interact directly with service users on the phone lines, or via chat or text, with support from Distress Centre Staff available at all times. As a Crisis Line Responder, you provide service users with confidential service using tools and skills acquired in classroom theory, practical/on-going training, and continuous feedback. You offer service users support, crisis intervention, and provide appropriate information and referrals to programs within Distress Centre as well as the community.
ConnecTeen Youth Volunteer
Age: 15–20
Our highly trained volunteers are dedicated to providing compassionate support to those in distress. As a ConnecTeen Youth Volunteer, you will interact directly with teen and youth service users via chat, text, or phone, with support from Distress Centre staff at all times. ConnecTeen volunteers provide peer support and a safe space for youth to talk about whatever issues they’re dealing with. Learn more about ConnecTeen.
Upcoming Training in 2025
When you apply to become a volunteer, you’ll be asked which training cohort you’d like to join. Please review the following training calendars and specify a cohort in your application.
Training involves a mix of classroom and self-directed learning. Review the Self-Directed Module Checklist to understand how much time will be required of you outside classroom training.
- January – FULL
- February
- March
- *March-May Targeted Evening Cohort – Mondays
*This targeted evening cohort is a pilot. We are accepting volunteers into this cohort who are able and committed to completing their shifts on Monday evenings at or after 4pm. This cohort will build deeper relationships and connection between those working and volunteering together, as they consistently work alongside one another in support of our service users.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Board of Directors
Provide governance, strategy, policy and financial guidance to Distress Centre staff. Email for more information.
Fundraising Volunteers
Volunteers are always needed for our casino, which occurs every 18 months. Email for more information.
Our Values
- Belonging
- Service to Others
- Excellence
- Volunteerism
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Leadership
Our Core Competencies
Client/Service Centred Work
You make clients the ultimate focus of our agency, team, and individual choices and actions.
Partnerships, Relationships, & Teamwork
You build and maintain productive, collaborative working relationships within and across groups, both internally and externally, to accomplish our common goals.
Growth Mindset/Learning
You actively identify new areas for learning and take advantage of opportunities to learn in whatever form they come. You apply your newly gained knowledge in your jobs and share these skills with others.
Communication
You clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of media channels in a way that engages the audience and helps them understand, inviting dialogue and inciting action where appropriate.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
We build and sustain an inclusive work environment where all individuals are welcomed, supported, respected, and valued for their unique experiences, perspectives, talents, and contributions.
Change Management
You maintain your team and personal effectiveness when being impacted by changes within the organization.
Self-Management
You take responsibility for yourself and your actions.
Opportunities to Help
Our volunteer opportunities allow you to provide support in various ways, including over the phone and via chat, text, or email. We also provide extensive practical and ongoing training.
As Calgary’s only 24-hour crisis agency, we are often the first point of contact for those seeking help. Make a career out of making a difference!
Distress Centre is committed to furthering the field of social work, and we view practicum students as a great asset to our team. Practicum opportunities exist year-round within the Crisis Line Program and Counselling Program, along with other opportunities.
Check Out Our Blog
Explore what’s new in the community and important updates from Distress Centre.
DCC Stories of Hope: Alex and our crisis support service
Listen to Alex’s powerful story of finding hope through Distress Centre Calgary. Calling Distress Centre Calgary and being able to interact with the amazing and caring people in my lowest [...]Read More... from DCC Stories of Hope: Alex and our crisis support service
READ
David Kirby celebrates 20 years at Distress Centre Calgary
David Kirby, our Clinical Services Manager, has achieved a remarkable milestone – 20 years of service as a member of our staff at Distress Centre Calgary. But David’s journey at [...]Read More... from David Kirby celebrates 20 years at Distress Centre Calgary
READ
Stories of Hope for Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday, we’re sharing stories of hope—how we’ve been there for those who needed support, no matter the reason. Thanks to our volunteers and supporters, we've been able to provide hope to countless individuals going through challenging times in their life. [...]Read More... from Stories of Hope for Giving Tuesday
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How to donate during the Canada Post strike
Due to the Canada Post strike, some of our mailings may be delayed, which could impact the vital funds we rely on during our annual giving campaign. We’ve been sharing [...]Read More... from How to donate during the Canada Post strike
READ
DCC Stories of Hope: Taylor and 211
Amid the chaos and uncertainty, Taylor* found comfort on the other end of the line. After being transferred from 911 to the 211 co-location team, Taylor shared their story with [...]Read More... from DCC Stories of Hope: Taylor and 211
READ
Donor Spotlight: Alberta Law Foundation
A $243,690 grant from Alberta Law Foundation supports Distress Centre Calgary's Justice System Initiative, helping Calgarians overcome critical legal barriers. [...]Read More... from Donor Spotlight: Alberta Law Foundation
READOur Impact Funders
we want you to know that your donation is currently supporting someone in crisis. thank you for your contributions.
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FIND US
Email: info@distresscentre.com24-Hour Crisis Line: 403-266-4357
Main Office: 403-266-1601
Youth Program Office: 403-264-8337
Calgary, AB T2R 1J5 | View Map
Charitable Registration Number:
107021024RR0001
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, Distress Centre Calgary would like to honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
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