Canadian Mental Health Association of Wood Buffalo Ready for 10th Annual Bell Let's Talk Day
This Wednesday, January 29 marks the 10th anniversary of Bell Let’s Talk Day, a nationwide conversation about mental health. The campaign combats the stigma around mental illness through raising awareness and sparking conversation.
The 2020 Bell Let’s Talk theme is “Mental Health: Every Action Counts.” Each year, Bell Canada donates five cents to mental health initiatives for every use of their hashtag #BellLetsTalk, each view of their videos, use of their social media frames and filters, as well as every text and call made on their networks. And, the Canadian Mental Health Association of Wood Buffalo (CMHAWB) is all set to spread the word locally.
The organization is partnering with the “Fort McMurray Public School Division and Keyano College by presenting on mental health topics to support children and youth who face mental health challenges in our region,” notes Emma Jones, CMHAWB’s Marketing and Education Strategist.
“One in five Canadians will experience a mental health issue or mental illness in any given year. But we all have mental health that we need to look after. All five in five of us. For 10 years, Canadians and people around the globe have joined in the world’s largest conversation around mental health on Bell Let’s Talk Day. Together we have taken big steps to reduce stigma and normalize conversations about mental health,” she continues.
According to the CMHAWB, a 2019 survey conducted by Nielsen Consumer Insights found 84% of Canadians are comfortable speaking about mental health with others, compared to only 42% in 2012.
“Although we’ve made great strides, there is still work to be done to ensure all Canadians get the mental health support they need. This year, on Bell Let’s Talk Day, everyone is encouraged to share the actions, large and small, that they are taking to improve mental health in Canada. This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day is a special one because CMHA is being highlighted as one of eight outstanding Canadian organizations, and will be promoted during the campaign through TV ads, website, and on Bell Let’s Talk social media channels.”
CMHAWB is using their voice on social media to share stories of lived experiences, those supporting individuals with lived experiences, and messages of hope by using the Bell Let’s Talk Thought Bubble. The group is asking the question, “How are you joining in to help create positive change?” Contact events@woodbuffalo.cmha.ab.ca if you would like your story to be featured.
Follow CMHAWB on social media - Facebook: CMHA – Wood Buffalo, Instagram and Twitter: @CMHAWB and tag #BellLetsTalk and #CMHAWB on January 29.
