Today, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, issued the following statement on Bell Let's Talk Day:
"Mental health and addictions challenges can affect individuals of all ages and every walk of life. They are our neighbours, co-workers, and our friends and family. Today on Bell Let's Talk Day, our government is encouraging everyone to join the conversation about mental health issues and those who live with them.
COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives, including our mental health and well-being. Now more than ever, every action counts and the seemingly small things can make a big difference. A phone call, text message, or a smile can let others know you care and take the first important step in supporting someone to get the help they might need.
As we continue the fight against COVID-19 and respond to the Omicron variant, supporting those with mental health and addictions challenges continues to be a top priority for our government. That's why we continue to implement and strengthen our comprehensive plan, Roadmap to Wellness, to build a fully connected mental health and addictions system across the province that provides the support Ontarians need, when they need it. This includes expanding access to free virtual and online mental health services for all Ontarians, as well as dedicated supports for frontline health care workers as they continue their efforts to provide high-quality care to patients.
Today on Bell Let's Talk Day, let’s all do our part to get involved, get talking and help break down the stigma around mental health.”
To find the right mental health and addictions supports and get information about many confidential and free options, please visit Ontario.ca/MentalHealth.
Health care workers from anywhere across Ontario can access services confidentially by going directly to a partner organization or via the Ontario Supports for People website.
Breaking Free Online is a free online therapy tool designed to help Ontarians aged 16 and older reduce or stop the use of over 70 substances, such as tobacco, alcohol and drugs, including opioids.
ConnexOntario provides free and confidential information to people experiencing problems with mental health, alcohol or drugs, and/or problem gambling. ConnexOntario’s system navigator specialists are trained in emergency mental health interventions and answer calls, e-mails or web-chat requests 24/7.
Kids Help Phone provides 24/7/365 professional counselling services for children, teens, and young adults across Canada with Ontario being the largest user of its service.
Good2Talk/Allo j’écoute is Ontario's bilingual mental health support service, providing professional counselling, information, and referrals, and is available to all postsecondary students 24/7, 365 days a year.
Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention for all Indigenous peoples across Canada (available in some Indigenous languages).
Talk 4 Healing offers Indigenous women help, support, and resources seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with services in 14 languages.
BounceBack is a free cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program that offers guided mental health self-help supports for adults and youth 15 and older.
To find local home and community care and for information about supportive housing options, please visit http://healthcareathome.ca/