The leaders of several Ontario health care organizations have released a joint open letter to premier Doug Ford seeking immediate clarity on the government’s parameters regarding pandemic pay for frontline workers during COVID-19. On April 25, the province announced frontline workers would be recognized with temporary pandemic pay for the challenges they face keeping Ontarians […]Continue readingOntario’s leading health care organizations urge province for clarity on pandemic pay
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New data shows majority of Ontarians believe mental health crisis will follow COVID-19 impact
(Toronto, May 11, 2020) – Seven out of 10 Ontarians (69 per cent) believe the province is headed for a “serious mental health crisis” as it emerges from this pandemic and nearly eight out of 10 (77 per cent) say more mental health supports will be necessary to help society, according to new poll results […]Continue readingNew data shows majority of Ontarians believe mental health crisis will follow COVID-19 impact
CMHA’s BounceBack key part of expanded mental health supports available to all Ontarians during COVID-19 pandemic
On April 2, the government announced an expansion of online and virtual mental health supports to help Ontarians navigating the difficult realities in the wake of COVID-19. The Canadian Mental Health Association’s BounceBack program is a key component of these expanded services and is available now, free of charge, to help people experiencing mild to […]Continue readingCMHA’s BounceBack key part of expanded mental health supports available to all Ontarians during COVID-19 pandemic
BounceBack offers quick tips to support your mental health during COVID-19
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division’s BounceBack program has developed a mental health tip sheet to support those who may be experiencing heightened mental health challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tip sheet, titled 10 things you can do right now to reduce anxiety, stress, worry related to COVID-19, offers 10 quick […]Continue readingBounceBack offers quick tips to support your mental health during COVID-19
Province announces partial CERB exemption for social assistance recipients
Advocacy efforts of health care providers, low-income Ontarians and other organizations has led to the provincial government taking measures to ensure individuals on social assistance will take home more income through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The province has announced that for existing (prior to March 1) Ontario Works (OW) and all Ontario Disability […]Continue readingProvince announces partial CERB exemption for social assistance recipients
Community organizations call on province to ensure income security during pandemic
More than 130 organizations have signed an open letter to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services calling for measures to ensure income security for Ontario’s most vulnerable populations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Income Security and Advocacy Centre (ISAC) recently initiated an open letter to children, community and social services minister Todd Smith, […]Continue readingCommunity organizations call on province to ensure income security during pandemic
Provincial HSJCC creates COVID-19 resource hub for human services, justice professionals
The Provincial Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC) has created a new online resource hub specifically for professionals in the policing, justice and human services sectors to provide latest updates on COVID-19 and resources to support how they operate amid the pandemic. Via this webpage, the Provincial HSJCC is facilitating information sharing among HSJCC […]Continue readingProvincial HSJCC creates COVID-19 resource hub for human services, justice professionals
Statement from CMHA branches several weeks after COVID-19 began impacting service delivery
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) network consists of nearly 30 branches across the province that provide community-based clinical and social services to Ontarians living with mental health and addictions issues. Like every other health provider, we have spent the past few weeks adjusting to a new reality created by COVID-19 and are continually examining […]Continue readingStatement from CMHA branches several weeks after COVID-19 began impacting service delivery
Tips to manage mental health during COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Canadians are facing a new reality of social distancing, self-quarantining and isolation in order to protect public health and safety. These new circumstances may lead individuals with mental health concerns into heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression. In what may be a difficult time for many, the Canadian Mental Health […]Continue readingTips to manage mental health during COVID-19
Understanding social distancing and the importance of social connection
To slow the spread of COVID-19, the main recommendation from government and health officials for the immediate future is “social distancing. For individuals with mental health concerns who have a tendency to socially isolate themselves already, it’s important to understand that social distancing doesn’t mean to cut yourself off from connection. Rather, physically distancing yourself […]Continue readingUnderstanding social distancing and the importance of social connection