The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is recognizing Bell Let’s Talk Day today (Wednesday, January 30).

One of the biggest hurdles for anyone suffering from mental illness is overcoming the stigma attached to it. The annual Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign is driving conversation to help reduce the stigma and promote greater understanding.

Today, Bell will donate more towards mental health initiatives in Canada by contributing five cents for every text, call, tweet, social media video view and use of their Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. Visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk to learn more.

This year marks year three of government’s partnership with Bell Let’s Talk to expand mental health services to children and youth through the Strongest Families Institute (SFI) program. SFI is a not-for-profit corporation internationally recognized for its effective evidence-based programs that deal with mild to moderate mental health and other issues impacting health and well-being. This year, government is contributing $820,000 to the partnership, up from $475,000 in 2018, so more families can benefit from the services provided by SFI.

The Department of Health and Community Services wishes to remind people that if you or someone you know is in need of help, supports are available including:

• The Mental Health Crisis Line, 1-888-737-4668
• CHANNAL’s Peer Support Warm Line, 1-855-753-2560
• Doorways (walk-in counselling services)
• Bridge the gApp, Bridgethegapp.ca
• 811

In the Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government committed to transform the way mental health and addictions services are delivered. The province continues to support this vision through the implementation of Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador. Since the launch of Towards Recovery, there has been a 68 per cent reduction in the number of people waiting for counselling services.

This initiative also delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to provide 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
“Through our work with Towards Recovery – The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador, mental health services are improving. We are very proud of the progress we have made. We will continue to ensure the needed supports are available for people when and where they need them most. In support of Bell Let’s Talk Day, I look forward to being part of the conversation.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Mental illness affects us all. It’s important that we don’t let the stigma create self-doubt and shame. Mental illness is like any other illness and it doesn’t define us. If you need help, reach out because you are not alone. There are many supports available and seeking help is the first step towards recovery.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more

Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Media contacts
Jason Card
Office of the Premier
709-729-3570
JasonCard@gov.nl.ca

Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
KathyDicksPeyton@gov.nl.ca