Canadian Mental Health Association introduces BounceBack® in Saskatchewan
Funding from Bell Let’s Talk supports provincial expansion
Regina, November 18, 2020 – Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Saskatchewan today announced the introduction of CMHA’s BounceBack® program to Saskatchewan residents thanks to a donation from Bell Let’s Talk.
“CMHA Saskatchewan is so proud to provide this new service when so many people are struggling with their mental health. COVID-19 is here now, but the mental health impacts will last long after the pandemic is over. BounceBack can unlock the door to new skills and a better quality of life,” – Phyllis O’Connor, Executive Director, CMHA Saskatchewan.
BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program effective in helping adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Through telephone coaching and a selection of skill-building workbooks to choose from, participants can customize their own program, learn ways to overcome their symptoms and improve their mental well-being now and in future.
“Bell Let’s Talk is proud to help CMHA Saskatchewan introduce the BounceBack program to Saskatchewan to reach more people in need as the demand for virtual mental health supports increases as a result of COVID-19… Through the expansion of the BounceBack program, CMHA is supporting the people of Saskatchewan in this time of crisis and uncertainty and building a foundation for recovery in communities across the province.” – Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk.
Based on cognitive behavioural therapy, BounceBack has been shown to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms by 50% at program completion. The donation from Bell Let’s Talk has enabled CMHA to leverage existing expertise in BC, Ontario and Manitoba, where the program is already funded by governments and donors, to expand the impact of this evidence-based program to more Canadians.
Available to residents in English and French, the program is free to all participants and will be delivered by coaches who are extensively trained and overseen by clinical psychologists. Participants can be referred by a primary care provider or choose to self-refer as long as they’re connected with a primary care provider, giving Canadians more choice in accessing support from home.
Bell Let’s Talk funding has supported the creation of a national website and toll-free number where Canadians can learn about BounceBack and find out whether it is right for them.
For Saskatchewan residents interested in registering for the program, please visit bounceback.cmha.ca
About Bell Let’s Talk
Bell Let’s Talk promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
About the Canadian Mental Health Association in Saskatchewan
The Canadian Mental Health Association (Saskatchewan Division) Inc. is a volunteer-based organization which works in partnership with communities and CMHA National to support and promote the rights of persons with mental illness to maximize their full potential; and promote and enhance the mental health and well-being of all members of the community. For more information, please visit sk.cmha.ca.
Media inquiries:
Phyllis O’Connor
Executive Director, CMHA Saskatchewan
306-525-5601 Ext. 234 or 1-800-461-5483
phylliso@cmhask.com
Bell
Jacqueline Michelis
613-785-1427
jacqueline.michelis@bell.ca
@Bell_LetsTalk
@Bell_News