Bell Canada has announced a substantial commitment of $10 million aimed at addressing youth mental health issues as part of its Bell Let’s Talk Day 2025 campaign, scheduled for January 22.
This initiative coincides with the release of a pivotal national report from Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) titled A Generation At Risk: The State of Youth Mental Health in Canada. The report, which sheds light on the escalating mental health crisis among young Canadians, was presented today at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in recognition of World Mental Health Day.
The report offers critical insights into the trends affecting youth mental health and pinpoints essential areas for improvement, such as prevention strategies, service quality, and access to mental health resources. Alarmingly, suicide remains the second leading cause of death among young individuals, representing 21 percent of deaths, while 24 percent of youth aged 16-24 have reported experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Additionally, the report reveals that marginalized groups, including 2SLGBTQI+ communities, newcomers, and Black and Indigenous youth, encounter significant barriers in accessing mental health care. Approximately 1.25 million Canadian youths require mental health support each year, but a staggering 57 percent do not receive the necessary assistance. Many mental health conditions manifest early, with 66 to 75 percent of cases developing before the age of 24.
Contributing factors such as social disconnection, excessive screen time, and socio-economic challenges have intensified these issues. Notably, 50 percent of youth aged 18-34 indicated that climate change adversely affects their mental well-being.
To combat this pressing crisis, Bell Let’s Talk will introduce a text-to-donate campaign, enabling Canadians to contribute directly to six youth mental health organizations:
- Integrated Youth Services
- Kids Help Phone
- National Association of Friendship Centres
- Strongest Families Institute
- Youth In Mind Foundation
Donations of $5 can be made via text, with Bell matching all contributions up to $1 million as part of its broader $10 million mental health commitment for 2025.
Mirko Bibic, President and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE, highlighted the urgency of tackling this crisis, stating, “As we mark World Mental Health Day, I am pleased to announce a $10 million commitment in 2025 to support Canadian mental health initiatives and help address the mental health crisis among young people.”
Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk, reinforced this message, asserting, “Youth urgently need access to more services to help them manage their declining mental health. Bell Let’s Talk will continue to support community-based organizations that are helping youth, and everyone, access mental health services so people can thrive and achieve their full potential.”
Michael Cooper, Vice President of MHRC, stressed the importance of early intervention, noting, “We have seen a generational shift in youth embracing the importance of mental health. If we can intervene early with diagnosis and treatment, we can give our children the best opportunity for mentally healthy lives.”
The text-to-donate campaign will be managed by the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, a registered charity that facilitates charitable donations via text messages, ensuring that 100 percent of the contributions go directly to the designated charities.
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