Bell Let's Talk and the Government of Alberta partner on $2 million project to improve access to mental health care for children and youth

• Alberta and Bell each commit $1 million for interactive gateway to mental health resources for Alberta youth, their families and professionals
• Focus on improving access to mental health support in rural and remote communities

CALGARY, Oct. 8, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk and the Government of Alberta today announced a $2 million initiative to enhance mental health services for children and youth throughout the province, especially those in rural and remote communities, with a single online access point to mental health information and care.

"Bell Let's Talk is very proud to partner with the Government of Alberta to improve mental health support services for children and youth throughout the province," said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE. "An example of the Bell Let's Talk pillar of Care and Access in action, this gateway project will ease access to mental health care for youth, and the families and professionals who support them."

The national Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is built on 4 action pillars: Anti-stigma, Care and Access, Research, and Workplace Leadership.

"The Government of Alberta is delighted that Bell Canada has chosen Alberta as the first provincial jurisdiction to work with to improve access to mental health supports," said Human Services Minister Heather Klimchuk. "An online gateway provides a non-threatening way for children and youth to explore mental health and addiction issues whenever and however they choose."

The partnership will develop a made-in-Alberta resource that provides:

• Information on a broad range of mental health resources for children, youth and their families.
• Links to around the clock online and phone counselling and a referral service connected to trained mental health service providers.
• Connection to a full continuum of community based treatment and support services.
• Support for professionals skilled at working with youth including enhanced web-based professional information, best practice tools, training and supports.

"Easy access to information and care is critical for early intervention and identification of mental health issues in young people," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "By helping to create a one-stop portal to Alberta's mental health resources, we believe this project will make a profound difference in the lives of young Albertans coping with mental illness and the family and friends who support them."

The partnership between Alberta and Bell Let's Talk will also build the capacity of professionals, family members, people working with children and families, and communities to better understand and support children and youth with addiction and mental health problems.

About Bell Let's Talk
The Bell Let's Talk initiative promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns – like Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let's Talk and the annual Bell Let's Talk Day – and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research, and workplace initiatives. Since its launch in 2010, Bell Let's Talk has committed more than $67.5 million to Canadian mental health programs. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business customers with leading TV, Internet, wireless, home phone and business communications solutions. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media. Bell is wholly owned by Montréal's BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For more information, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Media inquiries:
Trish Filevich
Press Secretary, Human Services
[phone]
[email protected]

Jacqueline Michelis
Bell Media Relations
[phone]
[email protected]
@Bell_News

SOURCE: Bell Let's Talk