Bell Let's Talk, Manitoba government enable expanded mental health services

Bell Let's Talk and the Manitoba government has announced a joint gift of $1 million over 5 years to the Strongest Families Institute (SFI) to expand mental health services for children, youth and their families throughout Manitoba.

"Bell Let's Talk is proud to support our partners at the Strongest Families Institute as they bring their experience in helping young people who struggle with mental health issues to Manitoba," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "Working together with the Manitoba government, we are helping more families get access to the care and support they need through a successful model that will make a real difference in their lives."

"When families need help, they need it right away. The Strongest Families Institute has a proven track record of providing mental health care to children and youth that is effective, family-centered, timely and accessible to those living in rural and remote areas," said Cameron Friesen, Manitoba Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living. "We thank Bell Let's Talk for raising awareness of mental health issues and for its support of this new program in Manitoba."

SFI is an award-winning organization delivering evidence-based programs for children, youth and families dealing with mild to moderate mental illness and other health issues. Its unique distance coaching approach, which offers support for families day or night and in the privacy of their own homes, is also the only program of its kind in the country with a no-waitlist policy for families with children and youth.

"Strongest Families was designed to remove barriers to care so families receive help when and where they need it. Our skill-based approach has shown to be highly effective in reducing mental health issues early in life. We thank the Manitoba government and Bell Let's Talk for this generous gift so our SFI team can help children, youth and families in Manitoba lead happier healthier lives," said Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie, president and CEO of Strongest Families Institute.

Approximately 1,000 families are expected to benefit from the service over the next 5 years. Services will be available in both English and French when SFI formally launches its programs later this month.

In 2017, Bell Let's Talk and all 4 Atlantic provinces partnered to support child and youth mental health across Atlantic Canada with a combined gift of $2 million to SFI.

Bell Let's Talk Day is January 30
Everyone is invited to join the conversation on Bell Let's Talk Day by sending messages of support across multiple platforms to drive both awareness and action in mental health.