‘I really feel the tide has turned’: Manitoba organizations receiving mental health funding

Bell Let’s Talk is donating $325,000 to community organizations across Western Canada.

Multiple Manitoba organizations are collectively receiving $325,000 in mental health funding.

On Tuesday, in a joint press release between Bell Let’s Talk and the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba (CHFM), it was announced that the latter organization is receiving $30,000.

The funds will support “the creation of a dedicated, trauma-informed seclusion room within a modernized HSC Children’s Hospital Emergency Department,” according to the release.

The space will also be utilized to support “children and youth experiencing acute behavioural or psychotic crises by prioritizing safety, dignity, and compassionate care.”

In a press conference, Mary Taylor, vice-president of philanthropy with the Children’s Hospital Foundation Manitoba, said it’s becoming more common to seek mental health supports in the province, saying since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been between 12 and 15 children per day asking for help.

“While we know that a lot of that can be attributed to the fact that kids are talking, parents are seeing the signs and they’re coming forward for solutions, we also know that there is care that is necessary to support those kids and their mental health journey,” Taylor explained.

Mary Deacon, Chair of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative, said she’s noticed increased interest and support for mental health since the program started 16 years ago.

“For so long, mental health and addiction were silent and invisible, yet those are common, treatable health issues. I really feel the tide has turned,” she said. “Is the problem solved? No. (Has) the stigma disappeared? No. There’s still far too many people unable to get the help they need, yes. But we are making progress.”

In Manitoba, funds are also being provided to Altered Minds, Carman Wellness Connections, Kidthink Children’s Mental Health Centre, and The Holistic Ongoing Opportunities Development-Facilitation and Management Services.

Bell Let’s Talk is an annual corporate fundraiser by Bell Media, CTV News Winnipeg’s parent company. This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day takes place on Jan. 21.

Since 2010, Bell has invested more than $194 million in mental health initiatives across Canada.

-With files from CTV’s Carie Willson