Published On: July 6, 2020
With a rise in mental distress as people grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and the emotional dialogue around racial equality, a new campaign is launching with the message that mental health is a journey. And you are not alone.
The #TakeThatStep campaign launched to remind people in Canada that we can take steps every day to improve mental well-being, especially during trying times, and there’s free support available. Wellness Together Canada is Canada’s first and only online platform offering immediate mental health and substance use support for all ages, funded by the Government of Canada.
As part of the #TakeThatStep initiative, Wellness Together Canada has partnered with Canadian multidisciplinary artist Jacquie Comrie to create shoes as a piece of art. The bright and colourful shoes represent the deeply personal action of taking steps towards understanding your own mental health, getting help when needed and continuing to check in on yourself each day to promote mental wellness.
Wellness Together Canada offers a “stepped care” approach where Canadians can be instantly connected to virtual mental health services, from a mental health self-assessment, to extensive support and resources, to live phone, video or text counselling with a mental health professional or crisis responder, all at no cost to them.
The model is supported by Kids Help Phone, Canada’s leading e-mental health solution for youth, and Homewood Health, one of Canada’s leading providers of mental health and addiction treatment services and employee assistance programs; both of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in providing virtual mental health services. The portal is funded by the Government of Canada.
#TakeThatStep and go to WellnessTogether.ca for free support that is available 24/7.