UNITED SIKHS Launches UMEED Helpline in Canada, Providing 24-Hour Counseling Support for Individuals in Need

Mississauga, July 1

Launched in Canada in the summer of 2023, the UMEED helpline in Canada is currently offering counseling, resources, and guidance to individuals embroiled in personal crises in Peel Region of Ontario.

We are proud to announce the launch of UMEED Helpline in Canada. UMEED, meaning “hope” in Punjabi, is a 24-hour phone helpline that aims to provide crucial support and guidance to individuals battling various challenges in their lives. The helpline offers a safe space for those going through a personal crisis to access resources in mental health support, substance abuse, counseling, domestic abuse counseling, legal aid, any kind of special support service. The UMEED helpline in Canada is currently offering counseling, resources, and guidance to individuals embroiled in personal crises in Peel Region of Ontario.

Recognizing the pressing need for confidential and accessible support services, UNITED SIKHS has established the UMEED Helpline to ensure that individuals facing difficulties can reach out for assistance without fear of stigma or embarrassment. The helpline is completely free and confidential for callers seeking help.

The UMEED Helpline caters to people of all ages, including women, students, and senior citizens of the Punjabi diaspora residing in Canada. 

With a team of trained and empathetic volunteers, the UMEED Helpline offers professional counseling services, actively listening to callers and providing them with emotional support. They offer support to individuals on a wide spectrum of issues not limited to loneliness, domestic violence, substance abuse, distress following disasters, social support, legal aid, and physical and mental health concerns.

Moreover, UNITED SIKHS in Canada is actively working with local grassroots organizations having deep links with the community, so that they can direct those in need towards UMEED and also to help those reaching out to UMEED receive access to the relevant resources through some of our partner organizations.

In addition to providing immediate emotional support, the UMEED Helpline facilitates connections with professionals and resources to address the specific challenges individuals are facing. Callers will have access to a network of trusted service providers, including healthcare professionals, legal experts, and community organizations, ensuring they receive comprehensive support according to their needs.

Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) provided professional-level training to our volunteers. We would provide these services with the support of PCHS and many other organizations. We thank PCHS Baldev Muta, who retired this week, for extending the invaluable support for this initiative.

Commenting on the launch of UMEED Helpline, UNITED SIKHS Canada Director Sukhwinder Singh said, “We are thrilled to introduce the UMEED Helpline in Canada. Our goal is to reach out to individuals who may feel isolated and unheard, and provide them with a platform to share their struggles. Through UMEED, we aspire to empower individuals, regardless of age or gender, to seek assistance, discover their resilience, and regain control of their lives.”

For further information about the UMEED Helpline or to access our services, please visit www.unitedsikhs.org or call the UMEED Helpline at 1–855–US–UMEED or 1–855–878–6333.

Your constant support is vital for assisting those in need!

Jasleen Kaur

UNITED SIKHS

Recognize The Human Race As One