$700,000 donation to Red Cross
COVID-19 Appeal addresses increased need for mental wellbeing and
supports, expands program to Atlantic
Canada
MONTRÉAL, June 1, 2020 /CNW
Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk and the Canadian Red Cross today
announced a $700,000 investment to
help support the mental wellbeing of Canadians during COVID-19 with
a significant expansion of the Friendly Calls program in
communities with increased demand for mental health services.
"Bell Let's Talk is proud to help Canadian Red Cross expand the
Friendly Calls program to reach even more people as demand for
mental health supports has surged with the increased isolation and
stress brought on by the COVID-19 situation," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "During
this challenging time, it is critical to ensure that vulnerable
people have quick access to the help they need."
With the Friendly Calls program, Red Cross volunteers talk to
people who are self-isolated to help decrease loneliness and social
isolation, and connect them to mental health resources available to
help meet their needs. Currently available in Ontario and Québec, Bell Let's Talk funding
will enable expansion of the program in those provinces and into
Atlantic Canada with a 70%
increase from existing Friendly Calls volunteer capacity. This
includes telecommunications support and enhanced training for staff
and 85 additional Safety and Wellbeing volunteers.
"The need for health and wellbeing supports continues to
increase significantly due to the COVID-19 crisis, and the Red
Cross is on the front lines in helping Canadians feel connected
during this difficult time," said Conrad Sauvé, President and CEO
of the Canadian Red Cross. "With support from Bell Let's Talk, we
are increasing the Friendly Calls program to reach more isolated
people who are struggling with how COVID-19 has impacted their
lives."
Red Cross staff and volunteers will be able to add up to 8,000
new Friendly Calls each month, helping to provide comfort and
assistance, emotional support, guidance, and referrals for
vulnerable people in times of crisis. A customized evidence-based
telephone screening tool developed for the COVID-19 situation will
help volunteers identify an individual's level of need to help
ensure the appropriate supports are available. The screening will
also help with discussion about general wellbeing and health,
loneliness and social isolation, general mood and anxiety, as well
as financial and medication security.
Bell announced a $5 million
increase in Bell Let's Talk funding in response to COVID-19 with
immediate support for 5 organizations delivering urgent mental
health support on the front lines of Canadian
communities. Today's announcement builds on an earlier
$250,000 donation to the Canadian Red
Cross in March to support the organization's response to the
COVID-19 crisis.
About Bell Let's Talk
The largest-ever corporate
commitment to mental health in Canada, Bell Let's Talk is focused on 4 key
action pillars – Anti-stigma, Care and Access, Research and
Workplace Leadership. Since its launch in 2010, Bell Let's Talk has
partnered with more than 1,000 organizations providing mental
health services throughout Canada, including hospitals,
universities, local community service providers and other care and
research organizations. To learn more, please visit
Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
About the Canadian Red Cross
Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands
ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a
member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement –
which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red
Cross and 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the
Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to improving the lives of
vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in
Canada and throughout the
world.
Media inquiries:
Bell
Jacqueline Michelis
613-785-1427
jacqueline.michelis@bell.ca
@Bell_LetsTalk
@Bell_News
Canadian Red Cross
English Media Line: 1-877-599-9602
French Media Line: 1-888-418-9111
SOURCE Bell Canada