Will support mental health and well-being of Canada’s Black, Indigenous and people of colour communities
MONTREAL – Bell Canada today announced the launch of a $5 million Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund to support the mental health and well-being of Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) communities across Canada.
“Bell has taken a strong stance against racism and social injustice and we’re taking meaningful action to address the impacts of systemic racism on Black, Indigenous and people of colour within our company and across our communities,” said Mirko Bibic, president and CEO, in the press release.
“Working with expert advisors and partners, the Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund will offer grants to organizations working to make a positive and lasting difference for BIPOC communities in every region of the country,” added Mary Deacon, chair of Bell Let’s Talk. “As our mental health initiative evolves, Bell Let’s Talk continues to embrace new opportunities to deliver culturally informed community supports addressing the mental health needs of racialized Canadians.”
The fund is launching today with inaugural donations of $250,000 to these organizations:
- Black Youth Helpline, a volunteer-driven initiative founded in Winnipeg that supports Black youth and their families across Canada with a focus on education, health and community development.
- National Association of Friendship Centres, the network of more than 100 local friendship centres and provincial/territorial associations throughout Canada providing culturally enhanced services for urban and off-reserve Indigenous people.
The new fund will provide grants of up to $250,000 for organizations that offer culturally informed and evidence-based mental health and wellness programs for BIPOC communities while also aligning with the four action pillars of Bell Let’s Talk: anti-stigma, care and access, research and workplace leadership. Registered charities and not-for-profit groups wishing to apply for grants can learn more about the fund and submit expressions of interest at www.Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
“Mental health has long been one of the top priorities for the Black population of Canada,” said Dr. Kwame McKenzie, director of health equity at CAMH, professor and co-director of the division of equity gender and population in the department of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, CEO of the Wellesley Institute and one of the experts Bell consulted. “The impacts of Covid-19 have made mental health even more important. I am delighted that Bell Let’s Talk has recognized the specific mental health needs of the Black population of Canada with this new initiative.”
For the full announcement, please click here.
