Dialing for Help

Now and then, we all experience personal difficulties and sometimes we may need help to solve our problem. That's why Veterans Affairs Canada, through an agreement with Health Canada, offers a special, toll-free telephone number that Veterans and their families can call if they're troubled and need assistance. Here's what you need to know about the VAC Assistance Service program.

Q. Where do I call for help?
A. Please call 1-800-268-7708. This is a bilingual service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Q. Who can call this number? A. The line is open to all Veterans, including former members of the Regular and Reserve Canadian Forces, war service Veterans, and their families.

Q. How does it work?
A. Your call will be answered by a trained counsellor who will talk with you about your situation. If required, they'll refer you to a counsellor in or near your community that belongs to a network of 600 trained professionals. Referrals are made within seven days or within 24 hours if the problem is urgent.

Q. I don't have an urgent problem. Can I still call?
A. Absolutely! The network of counsellors is fully capable of handling crisis situations but we think it's better for you to seek help before your situation becomes an emergency.

Q. How do I know if you can help me with my problem?
A. Call us! The Assistance Service program has helped all kinds of people who have all kinds of problems, including those that involve work-related issues, physical or emotional health concerns, family or marital problems, drug or alcohol problems, violence or abuse, financial problems, or retirement concerns.

Q. Is my call confidential?
A. Unless it is a matter that must be reported by law, the information you share with your counsellor will remain confidential. This means that Veterans Affairs Canada will not learn of your call unless you wish us to know about it.

Real People, Real Problems

During his career, John, a former member of the Canadian Forces, was away a lot and his wife had to make most of the family's day-to-day decisions. Now that he's retired, he and his wife seem to disagree on just about everything from how to budget their money to disciplining the kids. John knows his marriage is in trouble but he's a private man and he doesn't want to seek help from his friends or family. Who does he talk to for advice?

Albert, recently medically released for a knee injury, has been deployed on several peacekeeping tours and he's witnessed some disturbing things. Now, he's having trouble sleeping, he can't seem to focus on even the simplest tasks, and he's angry a lot of the time. He's afraid he's going to snap one day but who can he talk with who will understand what he's going through?

Jim served the Canadian Forces with distinction for more than 20 years. He thought it would be easy to adapt to "civvy" life but now he's at a loss about how to look for a job, find a doctor or set up a retirement savings plan. Where does he look for answers?

Your Local Connection

While you may feel more comfortable seeking help through the VAC Assistance Service program, we'd like to remind you that we have offices across the country which are staffed by caring professionals who are trained to provide support to former and releasing members of the Canadian Forces, as well as war service Veterans. Counsellors who staff the toll-free Assistance Service line can put you in touch with the District Office nearest you so that you can learn more about how to qualify for benefits and services to which you may be entitled. You can also call us directly. Just look in your local telephone book in the Government or blue pages under Veterans.