https://wncll.org/

The WNC Listening Line, a joint project of SeekHealing & Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness, has recently received state funding to update and translate the WNC Listening Line training curriculum into Spanish to begin an initiative to expand Spanish-speaking services on the WNC Listening Line. A health educator has already updated the curriculum for cultural relevance and appropriateness and the final stage for translation will begin in March. The WNC Listening Line has trained 234 listeners on learning social health skills related to connection, communication and building healthy relationships. The WNC Listening Line supported 1,256 individuals who called the line over 3,700 times in 2022. Additionally, SeekHealing has continued to design and host multiple community events throughout WNC to support community members with accessing opportunities to authentically connect with others. In 2022, there were 746 individuals who attended 345 community connection events hosted by SeekHealing in Buncombe County.

Unfortunately, the WNC Listening Line's grant funding for operations expired near the end of the year, making it purely volunteer-run. These funding barriers have created significant staffing challenges for covering/answering the listening line consistently. Exploration for ongoing funding is continuing. 

In 2023, Seek Healing provided 2 full-day trainings for counselors, clinicians, peer supports, and other mental health and harm reduction professionals on Motivational interviewing and listening skills.