Bell Canada celebrates Let’s Talk 2021

Bell Let’s Talk Day took place on Jan. 28. This day is observed annually to raise awareness about mental health issues and is organized by Bell Canada.  

The event focuses on four key pillars: Fighting the stigma, improving access to care, supporting world-class research and leading by example in workplace mental– health. 

This year Bell Let’s Talk had to rely solely on virtual activity to raise funds for mental health, given the COVID-19 restrictions in Canada. Self-isolation, fear, stress and many other factors related to the pandemic cause concern for mental illness.

“Now more than ever, every action counts,” says Bell’s official website. “On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell will donate more towards mental health initiatives in Canada by contributing $0.05 for every applicable text, call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, social media video view and use of our Facebook frame or Snapchat filter.” 

Greg Lowry is a registered psychotherapist and mental health counsellor for St. Clair College. He says that St. Clair College has always provided alternative ways to connect with help for mental health.  

“I think this was a good way to start something that has been around but maybe hasn’t been used as much,” said Lowry. “The pandemic has really forced our hand to start using that…. It was there. Virtual counselling has been around for a while and using web-based chat forums or telephone to do counselling sessions has been there, but it hasn’t been required. Now it has been required, people are getting used to it and it gives another means.” 

In March 2020, Bell announced the extension of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative for a further five years and an increase of Bell’s total funding for Canadian mental health to at least $155 million. 

The fundraiser gained 159,173,435 social media interactions and raised $7,958,671.75 for mental health organizations in Canada.  

“Thanks to your actions, Bell will donate more to Canadian mental health initiatives,” said Bell.