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Bell Let's Talk Day 2023 put the spotlight on mental health organizations creating positive change in their communities
Please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk to learn more about these and other organizations
MONTRÉAL, Jan. 26, 2023 /CNW Telbec/ -  Bell Let's Talk Day 2023 celebrated the start of a new era by putting a spotlight on Canadian mental health organizations who are working every day to provide mental health supports and services in communities all across the country. Throughout the day, 30 organizations that are taking action to create positive change shared the incredible work they are doing to help Canadians struggling with their mental health. Signal Hill in St John’s lit up blue on Bell Let’s Talk Day (CNW Group/Bell Let's Talk)
"Thank you to everyone who joined the Bell Let's Talk Day conversation yesterday. This year's Let's Change This campaign posed a challenge for all of us, and we've been impressed by the response from Canadians, governments, businesses, schools and organizations of all types that are taking action to create positive change for mental health in our country. We're proud to continue supporting these change makers all year round." -  Mirko Bibic, President and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE
"On behalf of Bell Let's Talk, thank you to all the amazing organizations that are working so hard to help improve the mental health of Canadians. Yesterday, we put the spotlight on 30 organizations providing mental health supports and services that we are so proud to partner with all year long. They provided important information about the critical work they are doing every day to address Canada's mental health crisis. I encourage everyone to continue taking meaningful action throughout the year to help create positive change in your communities." -   Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk
Events took place across the country on Bell Let's Talk Day yesterday to support the work of Canadian mental health organizations and the people they serve. New Bell Let's Talk projects
Leading up to Bell Let's Talk Day 2023, Bell committed  an additional $10 million towards our goal of $155 million for Canadian mental health by 2025. Over $2 million in funding for multiple mental health projects was announced or awarded in January alone including:
$1 million in funding from the  Bell Let's Talk Post-Secondary Fund  to support 10 colleges, universities and cégeps in implementing the National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students
$1.1 million in grants from the  Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund  to 11 organizations supporting the mental health and well-being of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities in Canada
A $200,000 donation to Cité de la Santé Foundation  for the refurbishment of the psychiatric unit at the Cité-de-la-Santé Hospital (CISSS in Laval) to improve access to mental health care for Quebecers. The Bell Let's Talk Community Fund
The $2 million Bell Let's Talk Community Fund, which supports local mental health charities throughout Canada, is now open for applications. Registered charities are invited to apply for a grant of up to $25,000. Since 2011, the Bell Let's Talk Community Fund has supported  over 1,000 local and grassroots mental health organizations all across the country. To apply for funding, please visit  Bell.ca/LetsTalk . For more information about the 30 mental health organizations featured on Bell Let's Talk Day like Aire ouverte, CMHA, Eating Disorders Nova Scotia, Huddle, Kids Help Phone, Kitikmeot Heritage Society, and Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario and to watch their videos, visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk . Today and everyday, let's come together, take action and help create positive change 
We can all take meaningful action to create positive change for mental health. The Bell Let's Talk - Let's change this campaign asks everyone to play a role and provides practical examples of ways to create change in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Here are some actions we can all continue to take throughout the year:
Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support
Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them
Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health
Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies
Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health
Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma
Visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk  for more ideas to help inspire others to join the movement to create positive change. About Bell Let's Talk
The largest-ever corporate commitment to mental health in Canada, Bell Let's Talk is focused on 4 key action pillars – Anti-stigma, Care and Access, Research and Workplace Leadership -and is a driver of Bell for Better . Since its launch in 2010, Bell Let's Talk has partnered with more than 1,400 organizations providing mental health services throughout Canada, including hospitals, universities, local community service providers and other care and research organizations. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk . Media inquiries:

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Bell Let's Talk thanks Canadians, governments and organizations around the country for creating positive change for men...

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Today is Bell Let's Talk Day! Learn about Canadian mental health organizations and take action to create change for men...

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LAVAL, QC, Jan. 25, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, during the symbolic Bell Let's Talk flag-raising ceremony in front of the Laval City Hall, which was attended by many dignitaries, including the Minister Responsible for Social Services, Lionel Carmant, Bell announced a $200,000 donation to the Cité de la Santé Foundation. This donation supports the Foundation's major fundraising campaign, #ProfoundlyHuman, which aims to raise $10 million by 2025. Participating to the Bell Let’s Talk ceremonial flag raising and the announcement of a $200,000 donation to the Fondation Cité de la Santé du CISSS de Laval were (from left to right) : M. Stéphane Boyer, Mayor, Ville de LavaL - M. Pierre Rodrigue, vice-president, Québec Affairs, Bell - M. André Malacket, Executive Director, Fondation Cité de la Santé - M. Lionel Carmant , Minister responsible for Social Services, Québec - M. Jean-Philippe Cotton, President and CEO, CISSS de Laval (CNW Group/Bell Canada)
Bell's contribution will be entirely dedicated to the ongoing refurbishment of the psychiatric unit at the Cité-de-la-Santé Hospital. The project will reorganize, upgrade and improve the spaces used by the unit. More specifically, this project will:
integrate a psychiatric intensive care unit, including the addition of 7 extra beds for high-risk patients;
integrate a psychiatric crisis intervention care unit, where currently provided services will continue; and
renovate and upgrade all inpatient and psychiatric units, including the West Wing, which provides physical care. "A day like this reminds us of the importance of talking about mental health, something that should be addressed all year round. In this regard, I welcome Bell's initiative and the donation made to the Cité de la Santé Foundation. There is no doubt that these funds will contribute to improving psychiatric care in the Laval region. The accessibility of mental health services and care must be improved for the entire population. Our government is making this a priority." -  Lionel Carmant, Minister Responsible for Social Services. "We welcome Bell's support for mental health. The need is great in Laval, and we are fortunate to have a network of partners that care about this important cause and want to contribute." - André Malacket, Executive Director of the Cité de la Santé Foundation
"Today, on Bell Let's Talk Day, Bell is pleased to announce a $200,000 donation to the Cité de la Santé Foundation, which will help to make seven new beds available in the psychiatric intensive care unit. Access to mental health care is a major challenge, and this addition is a practical solution to improve the situation. Too many people experiencing mental health issues do not receive the care they need. Let's change this."            - Pierre Rodrigue, VP Québec Affairs, Bell
Bell Let's Talk Day is today! Today, and every day throughout the year, we encourage Canadians to take meaningful action to create positive change for mental health. Everyone can play a role in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. Here are some actions we can all take:
Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support
Help a friend struggling with mental health issues by learning ways to support them
Ask about how your school, workplace, or community is creating change for mental health
Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies
Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health
Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma
Visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk  for more ideas and share your actions using #BellLetsTalk and help inspire others to join the movement to create positive change for mental health. About the Cité de la Santé Foundation
The Cité de la Santé Foundation's mission is to help improve the healthcare and social services provided at the CISSS de Laval [Laval's Integrated Health and Social Services Centre]. Since 1980, it has acquired medical equipment, improved the quality of life of care recipients, participated in research and education, supported skills development and training for healthcare workers, and helped improve infrastructure. Let's care for our world together. About Bell Let's Talk
As the largest-ever corporate commitment to mental health in Canada, Bell Let's Talk is focused on 4 key action pillars — Anti-stigma, Care and Access, Research and Workplace Leadership —and is a driver of Bell for Better . Since its launch in 2010, Bell Let's Talk has partnered with more than 1,400 organizations providing mental health services throughout Canada, including hospitals, universities, local community service providers and other care and research organizations. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk . Information:

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In Laval, together for mental health

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$1 million in grants awarded to 10 Canadian colleges, universities and cégeps to support mental health initiatives
Over 200 Canadian schools participating in the Bell Let's Talk Campus Campaign leading up to Bell Let's Talk Day on January 25
MONTRÉAL, Jan. 19, 2023 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk today announced that $1 million in grants from the Bell Let's Talk Post-Secondary Fund have been awarded to 10 Canadian colleges, universities and cégeps to support initiatives that align with the  National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students  (the Standard) or the  Québec Action Plan on Student Mental Health for Higher Education  (Québec Action Plan). Bell Let’s Talk presents a donation of $100,000 to support the creation of the University of Manitoba Student Wellness Centre. (CNW Group/Bell Canada)
According to Mental Health Research Canada, more than 1 in 2 Canadians who said they needed mental health support are not getting the help they need. The statistics are alarming:
More than 200 Canadians will attempt suicide every day; twelve will die
One in four Canadians have been experiencing high levels of anxiety
The number of opioid overdose deaths in Canada went up more than 90% during the pandemic. It's now 20 per day
For more information about these statistics visit  Bell.ca/LetsTalk
"Now, in the third year of funding post-secondary grants, we are thrilled to see so many Canadian schools taking action by enhancing mental health support programs on their campuses. These programs, that align with the Standard, are helping to create change and address the real and immediate mental health concerns within the student population who are under tremendous stress. We're so proud of the post-secondary institutions' staff, faculty and student bodies that created, implemented and operate these much needed programs. Bell Let's Talk is committed to continuing to support student mental health and well-being across the country to create positive change."       -    Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk
To date, Bell Let's Talk has awarded over $5 million in grants to Canadian post-secondary institutions, starting with more than  $3 million in initial grants  to over 125 schools in early 2021. "As post-secondary students, we are a vulnerable group going through periods of immense change with incredible social and financial pressures in an unpredictable world. Battling mental health challenges throughout your studies is the reality for many students today. Thanks to the Bell Let's Talk Post-Secondary grant, we were able to launch the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Peer Mentoring project to provide peer-to-peer student support, creating an environment where we can talk openly about mental health challenges." -  Brendan Roberts, President, StFX Students' Union
Schools like the University of Manitoba are using Bell Let's Talk Post-Secondary funds to support the current mental health needs of their students. "With support from the Bell Let's Talk Post-Secondary Fund, the University of Manitoba will create a welcoming and inclusive Student Wellness Centre where students can connect, learn, and enhance their mental health and well-being. Supporting student health and wellness is integral to providing an exceptional university experience. We thank Bell Let's Talk for their generous support, which will enable us to enhance our peer support programming and help students navigate essential student support services." -  Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students), The University of Manitoba
"The University of Ottawa is making great strides at fostering a culture of wellness centred on compassion, caring and respect for all in our community. The creation of an after-hours peer-to-peer Mental Health Crisis Response Team, led by specially trained student employees will ensure that our students will have ready access to the most effective wraparound services and follow-up supports. We are pleased that Bell Let's Talk has collaborated with uOttawa to offer this much needed service to our students." -  Elizabeth Kristjansson, PhD, University Advisor, Mental Health and Wellness, University of Ottawa
"Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières takes the mental health of its university community, particularly our student population, very seriously. Students have been greatly affected by the pandemic, whether it be through isolation, anxiety or stress. Bell's support allows us to take action by launching the Caring Brigade Peer Support program. This initiative will add to the mental health resources available to students and help them through difficult times so they can take full advantage of their university experience and achieve their goals." -  Christian Blanchette, Rector de l'Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
To see a complete list of the schools receiving grants and the programs they plan to implement, please click here . Here is a look at 2 of the 2022 recipients' student mental health programs implemented by McMaster University  and the University of New Brunswick . The application process for the 2023 Bell Let's Talk Post-Secondary Fund will open July 2023. Bell Let's Talk 2023 Campus Campaign
More than 200 Canadian colleges and universities are hosting virtual and, for the first time since the pandemic began, in-person mental health engagement events on campus this January 25. This includes a collaboration with Chartwells aimed at increasing conversation and action while raising funds to support on-campus mental health programs and services. Chartwells' partner schools will offer specialty give-back items for purchase with proceeds going to support student mental health on campus. In addition to campus activities, hundreds of student-athletes from sports teams coast to coast are coming together to support mental health at more than 200 varsity and collegiate games throughout January. "We are extremely proud to have been the first university sport conference with 2,000 student-athletes from 11 universities to kick-off varsity games on Bell Let's Talk Day in 2016. This initiative increased awareness and reduced stigma on campuses across Atlantic Canada. Today, it's tremendous to see how the initiative has grown with more than 200 games taking place across the country, driving home the message that we can all take action to create positive change for mental health." -  Phil Currie, President CEO, Atlantic University Sport
To see a complete list of participating colleges, universities and cégeps, please click here . Bell Let's Talk Day is January 25
On January 25 and every day throughout the year, we encourage Canadians to take meaningful action to create positive change for mental health. Everyone can play a role in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Here are some actions we can all take:
Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support
Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them
Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health
Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies
Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health
Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma
Visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk for more ideas and share your actions using #BellLetsTalk and help inspire others to join the movement to create positive change for mental health. About Bell Let's Talk
The largest-ever corporate commitment to mental health in Canada, Bell Let's Talk is focused on 4 key action pillars – Anti-stigma, Care and Access, Research and Workplace Leadership – and is part of Bell for Better . Since its launch in 2010, Bell Let's Talk has partnered with more than 1,400 organizations providing mental health services throughout Canada, including hospitals, universities, local community service providers and other care and research organizations. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk . Katie Hatfield

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Bell Let's Talk announces another $1M in funding for post-secondary student mental health programs

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$1.1 million in new grants for mental health programs supporting Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities throughout Canada
Diversity Fund provides $4.45 million in grants since the launch in 2020
MONTRÉAL, Jan. 17, 2023 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk today announced $1.1 million in new grants from the Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund to support 11 additional organizations helping to create positive change for members of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities in Canada. Lucia Laford, an artist with VIBE Arts, in front of Exploring Woodland, a mural painted by Lucia and students at École Notre Dame Du Sault, supported by Ontario Trillium Foundation, photo courtesy of Krystiana Bourdage. (CNW Group/Bell Canada)
The Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund  provides grants for organizations working to reduce the stigma of mental illness and increase access to culturally informed mental health and well-being support for BIPOC communities. Since the launch in 2020, 39 organizations from the across the country have received grants. Eleven new organizations providing mental health services to a wide range of people in many diverse communities around the country have been selected to receive grants from the Diversity Fund. "We are delighted to announce our latest Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund recipients. These organizations are delivering much needed supports and services in many diverse communities across the country. The grants are helping these organizations to take meaningful action to help create positive change for people struggling with mental health issues. Congratulations to these outstanding 11 organizations." - Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk
Here are the grant recipients:
"This Bell Let's Talk financial support will strengthen Mount Carmel Clinic's braid of culturally relevant, sensitive and Elder-led health care programming and mental health services in Winnipeg. This generous gift will provide much needed support to enhance community engagement and connections through Indigenous ways of being, doing and knowing. Providing cultural health services to Indigenous people that are unique and relevant to their present and past needs, histories and experiences helps us to offer community care that is safe, caring and holistic. We are deeply grateful for this support and look forward to continuing our work together." - Debra Diubaldo, Wisdom Holder and Community Auntie and Bobbette Shoffner, Executive Director, Mount Carmel Clinic
"We are thrilled to receive a Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund grant for our Arab Refugees and Newcomers Counselling Program. This program will offer access to mental health support services, such as drop-in counselling, group counselling, support groups, and crisis intervention to refugees and immigrants coming from the Middle-East and North African Countries. With this grant, our program will be able to reduce barriers to access mental health services for Arab refugees and newcomers. " 
- Ayoub Cherkaoui, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Victims of Armed Conflicts
"Foxe Basin Kivalliq North Sapujiyiit/Guardians of the Sea Society began as a grassroots initiative to protect the land, waters and people of Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour and Naujaat, Nunavut, but has evolved to include mental health as a main component of our work due to the special connection Inuit have to the land. Support from Bell Let's Talk will allow the Sapujiyiit Society to integrate mental health services with being on the land through workshops and support systems designed to deal with the unique concerns of Inuit mental health in Nunavut." - Sarah Newell, Executive Director and Lead Researcher, Sapujiyiit Society
"Ionkwahronkha'onhátie' has been supporting Kanien'kéha (Mohawk) language learners on a grassroots level since 2019. We are thankful to be receiving funding from Bell Let's Talk to target support of the mental health, wellness and capacity of our organization and the Kanien'kéha language learning community. We believe mental health, healing and wellness are core components of language learning and we are so excited to have this opportunity to invest in those components." - Shea Sky, Co-Founder & Co-Director, Ionkwahronkha'onhátie'
"The Refugee Centre serves thousands of refugees and newcomers across Montréal every year, developing and providing culturally safe and innovative programming to help and empower our community. This support from Bell Let's Talk will enable the Refugee Centre to catalyze and enhance our efforts by focusing on reducing mental health stigma in BIPOC communities and directing newcomers/refugees to culturally safe resources. By improving our capacity to provide trauma-informed wellness support, we aim to strengthen mental health/wellness during the newcomer resettlement process, which has been particularly challenging pre & post-COVID-19." - Abdulla Daoud, Executive Director, Refugee Centre
"VIBE Arts is thrilled to be a recipient of a Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund grant, supporting our Boreal Creates Arts for Mental Health and Community Engagement Program. This funding will enable us to collaborate with community organizations in Northern Ontario. Together we will deliver culturally relevant arts programs that build trust with community members and encourage
access to mental health and wellness support services in a welcoming, low-barrier and meaningful way." - Katie Hutchinson, Executive Director, VIBE Arts
"The Woodstock First Nation Health Centre is thrilled to receive a Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund grant to help establish an Indigenous Youth Outreach Program - which will empower the youth in our community, and ensure health equity to better address Indigenous health priorities. This support from Bell Let's Talk will assist in connecting youth to their culture and community and increase access to culturally appropriate mental health and well-being. While much remains to be done, together, in partnership with Bell Let's Talk - we are taking the first step to creating positive change." - Amanda McIntosh, Health Director, Woodstock First Nation Health Centre
Quick Facts
$4.45 million in grants since 2020
39 Diversity Fund recipients
Bell Let's Talk Day is January 25
On January 25 and every day throughout the year, we encourage Canadians to take meaningful action to create positive change for mental health. Everyone can play a role in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Here are some actions we can all take:
Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support
Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them
Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health
Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies
Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health
Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma
Visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk  for more ideas and share your actions using #BellLetsTalk and help inspire others to join the movement to create positive change for mental health. About Bell Let's Talk
The largest-ever corporate commitment to mental health in Canada, Bell Let's Talk is focused on 4 key action pillars – Anti-stigma, Care and Access, Research and Workplace Leadership – and is a driver of Bell for Better . Since its launch in 2010, Bell Let's Talk has partnered with more than 1,400 organizations providing mental health services throughout Canada, including hospitals, universities, local community service providers and other care and research organizations. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk . Media inquiries:

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Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund announces 11 new grant recipients

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LetsTalk.com is an online retailer of cell phones, wireless devices and service plans. The LetsTalk.com consumer site aims to provide an extensive selection of wireless products and services and features comparison and quick search tools to help people choose the cell phone that best suits their needs, identify the calling plans in their area, and select appropriate accessories all at a great price. For corporations, LetsTalk aims to offer a suite of powerful and flexible web-based applications that enable corporations to manage and control their wireless expenses. This solution features tools to optimize employee rate plans, track wireless devices, and simplify the procurement process. LetsTalk also aims to provide its corporate clients with customized fulfillment services such as device programming and branded packaging. In August 2012, LetsTalk.com was acquired by Brightstar. The valuation of LetsTalk.com was undisclosed. Other terms of the deal were not released.

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