Community
- POSTED BY editor
- October 4, 2010
Spectra: Helping South Asians One Phone Call at a Time
Spectra Community Support Services is a multi-lingual, multicultural, non-profit organization providing free, confidential support services for a diverse population. It provides non-judgmental, emotional, listening support to the community.
Since 1973, dedicated staff and volunteers of this centre have been running a 24 hour distress line in English. Spectra receives approximately 20,000 calls per year which primarily deal with loneliness, mental/physical illnesses, grief, abuse, social isolation, or interpersonal relationship problems.
In response to the growing needs of the diverse community in the Region of Peel, Spectra has expanded to include crisis intervention and an emotional support line in various languages other than English, and for people with disabilities. The centre launched distress lines in Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu in 2005 for South Asians so that they can have a supportive system in their lives. To call the distress line dial 905-459-7777; this is available Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
It can be especially difficult for newcomers to Canada who struggle to conform to a Western society and experience drastic changes in their lifestyles. The South Asian Community does not have a place where they can call and vent out their feelings or talk about any concerns or issues that they might be experiencing. Or perhaps they may simply feel isolated and want to talk to someone for comfort. Spectra helps such individuals by listening to their problems, exploring other options, and further directing them to the right resources.
This service is free and confidential for all residents in Peel who are between the ages of 18-55.
Spectra’s initiatives do not end there. It also has active programs known as the TeleCheck Seniors Program, Postpartum Family support, and the Reassurance program, which are also offered in various languages.
Overall, Spectra Community Support Services is a prime example of an organization that reflects the new demographics of Canada.
For more information about Spectra click HERE or call (905) 459-8439.
