Bell Let’s Talk has announced a $1 million donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association to support the roll out of CMHA’s BounceBack telephone-based, guided self-help program nationwide.
Addressing an increased need for remote mental health supports during COVID-19, this funding will expand BounceBack from Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba into Atlantic Canada, Québec, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Yukon.
In addition to national expansion, Bell Let’s Talk’s funding will also support creation of a national website and toll-free number where Canadians can learn about BounceBack and easily connect with their nearest CMHA. BounceBack will be available to Canadians in all regions in which CMHA is active by late summer.
Based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, BounceBack supports people aged 15 and up who are experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, or may be feeling low, stressed, worried, irritable or angry. Participants receive telephone coaching, skill-building workbooks and online videos to help them overcome these symptoms and gain new skills to regain positive mental health. To receive telephone coaching support, clients must either be referred by their primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner) or psychiatrist, or they may self-refer as long as they’re connected with a primary care provider. For those who are not quite ready for coaching, online videos can provide helpful tips.
In Ontario, BounceBack is a key component of the province’s structured psychotherapy program, and was part of the government’s expansion of online and virtual mental health supports to help Ontarians navigating the difficult realities in the wake of COVID-19. To learn more, visit www.bouncebackontario.ca.