Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day.
It aims to put mental health in the spotlight and create a conversation.
This year, Bell has launched a new component called Let’s Change This.
It focuses attention on the mental health crisis in Canada, and asks Canadians to help tackle it.
It also asks us to identify ways of creating change in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
Some of the initiatives could include;
- Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support
- Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them
- Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health
- Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies
- Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health
- Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma
“This year’s campaign marks a bold new era for Bell Let’s Talk,” says Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk. “Together with our partners and organizations all around the country, we have helped increase awareness about mental illness and addiction, and Bell Let’s Talk is proud to invest in these organizations all year round. But bold action is needed more than ever. Too many Canadians are still struggling with mental health and addiction issues and not getting the care they need.”
As part of its commitment, Bell announced it would provide $10 million toward its own $155 million campaign to support mental health programs.
This replaces the 5-cent per transaction donation Bell has made in the past.
According to statistics, more than 200 Canadians will attempt suicide every day; twelve will die.
Fifty-six per cent of people struggling with mental health are not getting the help they need.
One in four experience high levels of anxiety.
