The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is recognizing Bell Let’s Talk Day today (Wednesday, January 29).

The annual Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign drives conversation to help reduce stigma and promote greater understanding of those experiencing mental illness.

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.

This is the fourth year 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. The program provides family-centred care for individuals in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. This year, government has contributed $500,000 to the partnership, so more families can benefit from the services provided by SFI. To date, more than 1,600 children and their families have completed the program with a self-reported 90 per cent success rate in resolving their issues.

The Department of Health and Community Services reminds people that if you or someone you know needs 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
• Bridge the gap: bridgethegapp.ca/
• Kid’s Help Phone Crisis Text Line: text ‘Talk’ to 686868

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 68 per cent reduction in the number of people waiting for counselling services.

Quotes
“I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day. All it takes is one tweet or Facebook post to help make a difference. Our government continues to work hard to strengthen mental health services for the people of the province and initiatives such as this go a long way to eliminating any associated stigma. I also encourage anyone out there who needs help to reach out for the various supports that are now available.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Stigma is a form of discrimination for people with mental health and substance use problems. It is a serious issue. Dealing with discrimination requires a community effort. We can no longer be afraid to speak up, show support, and reach out for help or to aid someone else in need. Together, we can all make a difference. Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s talk.”
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 

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Media contacts
Jeremy Reynolds
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
JeremyReynolds@gov.nl.ca

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