Newfoundland and Labrador is the first province in Canada to launch the MindWell-U 30 Day Mindfulness Challenge, an online e-health technology to support mental health. This is the latest e-health service added to the province’s suite of online mental health and addictions supports for people province-wide, which includes Strongest Families, Bridge the gApp, BreathingRoom™ and Therapy Assistance Online.
The 30 Day Mindfulness Challenge is an online program available in English and French specializing in mindfulness training. The program can be accessed through the Bridge the gApp website at bridgethegapp.ca.
This training, which has been offered successfully through Memorial University’s Student Wellness and Counselling Centre since 2016, is an evidence-based program clinically proven to benefit physical and mental health. Mindfulness training has been proven to maintain wellness, reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain and assists in the treatment of problematic substance use.
In collaboration with the Federal Government and community groups, the Provincial Government is supporting those experiencing mental issues. Through Budget 2018, we are developing a province-wide mental health service delivery model for children, youth and emerging adults to address existing systemic barriers and gaps; expanding e-mental health services; improving access to addictions services; and, improving community-based services to replace hospital care.
The province continues to change the way services are delivered through implementation of Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador. This initiative delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“I am pleased to add to the virtual programming for mental health with this incredible program focusing on mindfulness. Residents can complete the 30-day challenges in just five to 10 minutes in the comfort of their homes and on their smartphones. MindWell-U’s training will help lower stress, increase resilience and improve well-being, and I look forward to beginning my own 30-day challenge today.”
Honourable Minister Haggie
Minister of Health and community Services
“MindWell-U is excited the 30 Day Mindfulness Challenge is being made available to all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. There’s no doubt mindfulness will soon become a literacy taught in schools, just like Math and English, and be a core competency sought by employers. Congratulations to Minister Haggie and the Province for taking this leadership position in mental health – no doubt many other provinces and U.S. states will follow.”
Dr. Geoff Soloway
Co-Founder & Chief Training Officer
MindWell-U
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Learn More
Bridge the gApp – www.bridgethegapp.ca
Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/mentalhealth/pdf/mentalhealth_addictions_plan.pdf
The Way Forward – thewayforward.gov.nl.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL
Media contacts
Emily Timmins
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 693-1292
emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca
Ann Gallery
MindWell-U
ann@mindwellu.com
604-346-9540