MONTREAL — As Bell Let’s Talk Day approaches, Bell Canada made another announcement, launching a post secondary fund which will initially provide $2.5 million in grants to support Canadian colleges and universities in implementing the National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students.
First published in early 2020, the Standard was created with the support of Bell Let’s Talk funding, and the initiative was led by the Mental Health Commission of Canada in partnership with the Canadian Standards Association. The Standard provides a set of guidelines for post-secondary student mental health that helps increase awareness, reduce stigma, improve life and resiliency skills, and create a healthier and safer educational environment overall.
Through the new Bell Let’s Talk Post-Secondary Fund, colleges and universities can now apply for a kickoff grant to cover start-up costs associated with implementing the Standard. Additional funding for new, specific student mental health programs will launch this spring, Bell says in its press release.
Post-secondary institutions have until February 26 to apply for a kickoff grant of $25,000 (100 grants are available to eligible Canadian publicly funded post-secondary institutions).
“The Post-Secondary Fund means Canadian colleges and universities can immediately start the process of implementing the important mental health recommendations outlined in the Standard,” said Jennifer Hamilton, executive director of the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS) in the release. “Bell’s leadership in advancing student mental health has had a powerful effect on campuses across the country. Students year over year are more aware, educated and inclined to ask for help.”
Bell also announced this year’s Bell Let’s Talk Campus Campaign has been enhanced with a digital toolkit to ensure post-secondary institutions can safely engage students across the country. The toolkit contains resources such as: a virtual photo booth for students, faculty and staff to post selfies and share personalized mental health messages; wellness activities that encourage awareness and self-care; a digital Bell Let’s Talk flag to be shared on social media channels and websites; and short films about mental illness, hope and recovery.
In addition, Bell Let’s Talk is partnering with Kids Help Phone for an Instagram Live event on January 19, focused on issues affecting post-secondary students and offering advice for young people coping with the impacts of Covid-19.
Furthermore, Jack.org will be hosting a virtual Jack Talk on January 26, where youth speakers will share personal stories to help peers recognize signs of struggle and learn how to support others. More information about the Jack.org event is available here.
To learn more about Bell Let’s Talk Day, please click here.
