Crisis Intervention Training for Stronger Communities

Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) proposes to expand access to its highly regarded DCC Training Program by offering both in-person and online Crisis Intervention Trainingopportunities in 2026. This initiative will increase the reach and inclusivity of DCC’s evidence-based education, empowering individuals and communities to respond effectively to crisis situations with confidence and compassion.

This project will prioritize participation for Indigenous community members, First Responders, and health care workers, recognizing the unique pressures these groups face in responding to crises. Any remaining spaces will be offered to the public at no cost, ensuring equitable access for those who may not have employer-sponsored training opportunities.

The Crisis Intervention Training module equips participants with practical skillsto identify and respond to individuals experiencing emotional distress or crisis. Participants learn to apply active listening, de-escalation, and empowerment techniques to help individuals self-regulate and connect to internal strengths and external supports, including professional and community-based services. Training is delivered by experienced instructors who combine real-world case studies with trauma-informed approaches, cultural safety, and strength-based learning.

Each in-person session accommodates up to 25 participants.To enhance accessibility for those unable to attend in person—such as individuals in rural or remote communities or those balancing work and caregiving—DCC will also deliver a self-directed online learningoption. This blended model ensures both geographic reach and schedule flexibility.

Through this initiative, DCC anticipates reaching a minimum of 100 participants over the project term. The training will not only enhance individual skills but also build community capacity and resilience by equipping participants to respond constructively to crisis situations in their workplaces, families, and communities.

With Field Law’s support, DCC will create a sustainable, open-access training opportunitythat reduces barriers to mental health education, fosters stronger connections across sectors, and empowers participants to provide informed, compassionate support to those in crisis—ultimately contributing to a safer, more resilient community for all.

This project is designed to reach and empower individuals who are most likely to encounter people in crisis, ensuring that vital skills and knowledge are available to those at the front lines of community well-being.

Indigenous community memberswill be prioritized for participation, recognizing the disproportionate rates of trauma, intergenerational grief, and systemic barriers to culturally safe care. By offering accessible and inclusive training, Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) seeks to strengthen capacity within Indigenous communities to respond to crises with approaches grounded in empathy, empowerment, and cultural understanding.

First Responders—including police, fire, and emergency medical personnel—routinely support individuals experiencing acute distress, often in unpredictable and high-stakes environments. This training will equip them with additional trauma-informed tools to de-escalate situations, protect their own mental health, and strengthen community trust during emergency interactions.

Health care workers, who regularly support individuals coping with physical and emotional distress, will benefit from enhanced communication, empathy, and de-escalation skills that can be applied in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. The training will also reinforce mental health literacy, improving the quality of care for patients and families.

Members of the general public—including caregivers, educators, volunteers, and community leaders—will gain practical crisis response skills that can be applied in everyday interactions with family, friends, and neighbours. By extending training to the public, DCC broadens the circle of care, empowering more people to respond compassionately when someone is struggling.

By offering all training at no cost, this project removes financial barriers and ensures equitable access for diverse participants. Graduates will leave with the confidence and competence to respond effectively in crisis situations, creating a ripple effect of empathy, safety, and resilience that strengthens the broader community.