Statement - Government of Canada Supports Bell Let's Talk Day for Mental Health

OTTAWA, Jan. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, today issued the following statement in recognition of the Bell Let's Talk Day:

"Today, our Government is encouraging all Canadians to participate in the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative to help end the stigma around mental illness.

"Being strong means knowing when to ask for help, and when to seek care. Getting early and timely help is the best way to start on the path to a successful recovery.

"Initiatives like Bell Let's Talk are an important part of overcoming the stigma that prevents those in need from reaching out. By spreading awareness, we are working to ensure that more Canadians learn about mental illness and know where to find help they need. By lending our voice to the cause, we can work together to break down the walls that surround mental illness.

"The health and well-being of Canada's men and women in uniform, Veterans and their families are a matter of great importance to our Government, and the partners who work with us to support them. That is why we strive to give those who have served the assistance and support they need. Thanks to the shared efforts of so many, Veterans and personnel with mental health conditions now have greater access to a continuum of specialized care than ever before, and our work to help them continues to grow.

"Canadians shouldn't suffer in silence when help is available. Today let's talk, and encourage all those with mental health issues to seek the care they need."

Quick Fact

• On Bell Let's Talk Day, Bell donates 5 cents for every text, mobile call, and long distance call made by Bell and Bell Aliant customers, every tweet using #BellLetsTalk, and every Facebook share of the Bell Let's Talk Day image. Through this multi-year charitable program dedicated to mental health, Bell has committed more than $62 million to support a wide range of mental health organizations, large and small, from coast to coast.
  
  

Help Contacts:

• If you are in crisis or thinking about hurting yourself or others you can call Veterans Affairs Canada or the Department of National Defence 24 hours a day,  seven days a week, at 1-800-268-7708 or TDD 1-800-567-5803 for free counselling for you or family members.
• Confidential peer support (peer, family, and bereavement support) is available at 1-800-883-6094.
• Information on accessing VAC operational stress injury clinics and other benefits can be obtained by calling 1-866-522-2122.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada