MONTREAL – More than 20,000 student-athletes will take part in Bell Let’s Talk Day, joining with fellow students and others in the university community to discuss the impact of mental illness and how to fight the stigma that keeps many from seeking help.
Canadian universities and Atlantic University Sport (AUS), Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ), Ontario University Athletics (OUA), and Canada West Universities Athletic Association (CWUAA) have also pledged their support via a national student initiative that will see 100 university sports games across the country host Bell Let's Talk events leading up to January 25.
Student-athletes from across the country have also produced a series of videos based on the 5 simple ways to help end stigma around mental illness.
“The Bell Let's Talk partnership with Canadian universities has grown from 11 schools in Atlantic Canada in 2016 to 53 right across the country this year, from 2,200 student-athletes to more than 20,000," said Bell Let's Talk chair Mary Deacon, in the news release. "Conversations will be taking place in classrooms, residences and sport facilities on campuses across the country, helping combat the stigma and supporting those who struggle. We look forward to the continued growth of this great initiative in the years to come."
On January 25, Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for each of these interactions at no extra charge to participants:
– Every text message, mobile and long distance call made by Bell Canada and Bell Aliant customers;
– Twitter: Every tweet using #BellLetsTalk;
– Facebook: Every view of the Bell Let's Talk Day video at Facebook.com/BellLetsTalk;
– Instagram: Every post using #BellLetsTalk; and
– Snapchat: Every use of the Bell Let's Talk Snapchat geofilter.
