The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is recognizing Bell Let’s Talk Day today (Wednesday, January 26).
The annual Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign strives to drive conversation to help reduce stigma and promote greater understanding of those experiencing mental health challenges, as well as promote necessary support services and resources across Canada.
Today, Bell will continue its support of mental health initiatives in Canada by contributing five cents for every applicable text, call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, social media video view and use of Bell’s Facebook frame or Snapchat lens.
With the help of a 4-year partnership with Bell Aliant to expand mental health services for children and youth in Atlantic Canada, the Provincial Government has been able to expand mental health services to children and youth through the Strongest Families Institute (SFI) program. In its sixth year, the program provides family-centered care and services for individuals in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Since the 2015 launch, 2,650 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have completed SFI programs, with a 90 per cent success rate in resolving their issues.
This year, the Burin Peninsula Health Care Foundation was a recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund to support the development of two new mental health walk-in clinics. These clinics will be funded and staffed by Eastern Health to ensure the long-term sustainability of mental health clinics serving the region.
The Department of Health and Community Services reminds people that if you or someone you know needs help, supports are available including:
- The 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-737-4668
- CHANNAL’s Peer Support Warm Line: (available daily 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.) 1-855-753-2560
- Doorways (find clinics by visiting ca or calling 811)
- Bridge the gapp: ca
- Kid’s Help Phone Crisis Text Line: text ‘Talk’ 24/7 to 686868 or by phone, 1-800-668-6868
- Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Systems Navigator: (available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 1-877-999-7589.
For more information about the Strongest Families Institute programming available for children ages 3-17 and adults 18+ please call 1-866-470-7111 or visit bridgethegapp.ca.
Through its work with Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government is transforming the way services are delivered. Since the launch of Towards Recovery, there has been a 43 per cent reduction in the number of people waiting for counselling services from 2017 to 2021.
Quotes
“On Bell Let’s Talk Day and every day, I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take time to support their own mental health and engage in these conversations. Our government recognizes the important role good mental health plays for us all, and as such, continues to offer and strengthen a number of mental health services for the people of the province. You are not alone, and we have the supports to help you.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Now, more than ever, people must prioritize their mental health and wellness. It is normal to be feeling increased levels of stress and anxiety due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and unfortunately many people are finding it difficult to cope. Keep listening, keep talking, and keep being there for each other. If you need help, there are many supports available – we are in this together.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
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Learn more
Bell Let’s Talk Day
Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca