Montreal organizations offering mental health services to homeless get a boost
WHITEHORSE – Bell Let’s Talk flags flew in the three territorial capitals of Iqaluit, Whitehorse, and Yellowknife as well as the Yukon’s Legislative Assembly on Wednesday as a way of showing Northerners’ commitment to ending the stigma around mental illness.
Northwestel and Bell Let’s Talk partnered with mayors and mental health organizations in each city to raise awareness of mental health issues, joining communities across the country flying Bell Let’s Talk flags.
“The City of Iqaluit is pleased to raise the Bell Let’s Talk flag and help raise awareness about mental health”, said Madeleine Redfern, Mayor of Iqaluit, in a statement. “Being able to talk about mental health openly, in a respectful manner, is an important step in helping to end the stigma and move towards a society that helps people get the treatment and support that they may need.”
“There is no greater health challenge facing our country than mental health,” added Mayor of Whitehorse Dan Curtis. “Most people who experience mental health issues suffer in silence, fearing judgement and rejection. Whitehorse City Council encourages residents to talk openly about their experiences with mental health issues and help open the eyes of all Canadians to the reality of mental illness.”
“Mental illness touches us all – either directly or through a friend, family member or colleague. Bell’s Let’s Talk Day is about starting the conversation about mental health. I encourage residents to keep the conversation going all year long and make every day, a day it is okay to talk about mental health,” said City of Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty.
In related news, Bell Let's Talk announced a $300,000 donation to Accueil Bonneau, Welcome Hall Mission and the Old Brewery Mission to support their work caring for those coping with homelessness in Montreal.
In partnership with the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, the organizations will expand the Programme de réaffiliation en itinérance et santé mentale (PRISM), which provides sustained access to mental health care for homeless people with severe mental illness.
PRISM supports homeless men and women diagnosed with severe mental disorders with transitional housing for 6 to 8 weeks, during which they receive care from a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurses and social workers from the CIUSSS, as well as community advisors and support workers. The focus is on improving the participants' mental health as a starting point for their social reintegration and access to stable and affordable housing. PRISM provides 42 beds across the 3 organizations, now including accommodation for women at Old Brewery Mission's Patricia Mackenzie Pavilion.
