MONTREAL – Bell marked the fifth anniversary of Bell Let's Talk by announcing the extension of the national mental health initiative for a further five years and a pledge to increase its total funding commitment for Canadian mental health to at least $100 million.
Announced on September 21, 2010, Bell Let's Talk began a new conversation about mental illness, a pressing national health concern beset by a unique stigma and far underfunded and underserved relative to its impact on every Canadian. Since its launch, the initiative has funded more than 600 mental health partners around Canada, from the largest health care institutions and universities to the smallest community organizations in every region, while encouraging engagement by Canadians in the cause with high-profile anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk.
Bell has increased its funding target to $100 million by the end of 2020, but as Canadians continue to drive Bell donations with their engagement in the cause on Bell Let's Talk Day, the total amount could be much higher. The next Bell Let's Talk Day is set for January 27, 2016.
"Canadians have fully embraced the mental health cause, reaching out to those who struggle, making their own voices and stories heard, fighting the stigma around mental illness while also driving Bell Let's Talk action in anti-stigma, care, research and workplace programs by getting engaged," said BCE and Bell Canada president and CEO George Cope, in the news release. "Most Canadians, especially young people, say they've seen a significant, positive change in awareness and attitudes around mental health in the last 5 years. But as we celebrate our collective progress, it's also clear to all that much work remains. We have momentum in mental health, so let's keep the conversation going.”
