Government of Yukon announces new youth mental health program with support from Bell Let's Talk and Northwestel

WHITEHORSE, Jan. 14, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Government of Yukon, Bell Let's Talk and Northwestel today announced contributions totalling $500,000 to support the launch of the FRIENDS cognitive behaviour group-based intervention program throughout the territory. The FRIENDS program will provide mental health prevention and treatment services by trained facilitators in rural Yukon and Whitehorse, including for adolescents at social or emotional risk.

"The FRIENDS program clearly supports the mental wellness project under the Health Investment Fund and its focus on training front line workers," Minister of Health and Social Services Mike Nixon said. "In partnership with Bell Let's Talk and Northwestel, we will work together to identify community leaders to be trained as FRIENDS facilitators in Yukon communities."

The FRIENDS program is focused on preventing childhood anxiety and depression using proven cognitive behavioural principles and building emotional resilience. The World Health Organization has described this approach as effective in the prevention of anxiety disorders and the program, developed in Australia, is in use in countries around the world.

"Given the urgent need for more child and youth mental health support and services in Canada's North, Bell Let's Talk is very proud to support the launch of FRIENDS in Yukon," said Mary Deacon, chair of the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative. "We believe innovative programs like FRIENDS can make a real difference for people in remote and isolated communities with limited resources."

FRIENDS reduces the incidence of serious psychological disorders, emotional distress and impairment in social functioning by teaching children and young people how to cope with and manage anxiety both now and in later life. FRIENDS program facilitators will be trained to work collaboratively with community service providers, including First Nations providers, to enhance the supports available to youth as part of a continuum of care services.

"Northwestel is pleased to be a part of programs that expand the mental health resources available to Northerners," Northwestel president and CEO Paul Flaherty said. "The FRIENDS program is an important initiative that will help our young people develop the tools they need to manage their mental health, and to lead healthy lives today and well into the future."

The $250,000 donation from Bell Let's Talk and Northwestel is part of funding announced in May 2014 for community mental health resources in Canada's northern territories, focusing on assisting youth in rural communities. The Government of Yukon is matching the $250,000 gift.

Learn more
The FRIENDS program: friendsprograms.com
Bell Let's Talk: bell.ca/letstalk 
Northwestel: nwtel.ca

Contact:

Dan Macdonald
Cabinet Communications
867-393-6470
[email protected]

Julie Ménard
Communications, Health and Social Services
Government of Yukon
867- 667-8478
[email protected]

Jacqueline Michelis
Bell
[phone]
[email protected]

Adriann Kennedy
Northwestel
[phone]
[email protected]

SOURCE Bell Canada