ProjectBe Pillars

Mental Health

Mental health is just as important as physical health. An essential part of overall health and well-being, mental health is too often overlooked or under-supported – especially when someone is facing a physical health condition.

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, 1 in 3 Canadians will be affected by a mental illness in their lifetime. And for those living with health conditions, the burden on mental health is often heightened.

Quick Facts

• 70% of mental health problems start in childhood or adolescence.
• Young adults (aged 15–24) are most likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
• People with chronic conditions - like arthritis or irritable bowel disorder - are two times (2x) more likely to experience anxiety or depression.
• Mental health challenges can worsen physical symptoms - creating a cycle that's hard to break.

While mental illness often begins in childhood, it can affect anyone at any stage of life. And for people managing chronic diseases, there are often added pressures: the stress of a diagnosis, the burden of treatment, and financial strain can contribute to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Caregivers, too, may struggle with emotional exhaustion, stress, or burnout.

Mental health challenges often go unaddressed, especially when care remains focused on a person's physical health.

That's why the HealthPartners' health collective provides extensive mental health supports, recognizing that managing health and wellbeing means supporting the whole person. This includes:

• Counseling and peer groups for patients and caregivers
• Helplines and online communities for connection and support so nobody feels alone
• Health education for individuals, families and caregivers
• Research funding into the mental health impacts of serious illness
• Awareness and advocacy efforts to balance mental health care with physical care

Mental health support should be accessible and stigma-free – for everyone. Mental health challenges don't always come with a diagnosis - or a clear path to help - and no one should have to face them alone. 

Your donation helps connect more people to the care they hoped to never need - when they need it most. Please give today to support whole person care – for everyone.

Poverty Reduction: From Poverty to Possibility

Poverty isn't just about income — it's about access, opportunity, and dignity. Too many families in Canada face impossible choices between rent, food, and other essentials. United Way Centraide works to break the cycle of poverty, creating pathways to possibility for youth and families.

Quick Facts

• Nearly 1 in 4 children in Canada live in poverty.
• Food bank visits have reached record highs, with over 2 million visits per month nationwide.
• Youth experiencing poverty are more likely to face housing insecurity, drop out of school, and struggle to find stable work.

Poverty impacts every part of life — health, education, and future opportunities.

Without stable housing or food security, it's difficult for young people to focus on learning, working, or building a future. Breaking the cycle requires not just meeting urgent needs but also addressing the root causes of inequality.

United Way Centraide's Role

United Way Centraide supports solutions such as:

• Food security programs and affordable housing initiatives.
• Education, training, and employment opportunities for youth.
• Emergency financial supports and wraparound services for families.

Together, we can move families from poverty to possibility. Your support helps create fair opportunities so every young person can imagine — and achieve — a brighter future.

Building Health and Equity in Our Communities

Health and opportunity should not depend on your postal code, income, or background. Yet across Canada, too many communities face systemic barriers that limit access to resources, services, and safe environments. United Way Centraide is committed to building healthier, more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.

Quick Facts

• People living in low-income neighbourhoods face higher rates of chronic illness and shorter life expectancy.
• Racialized and Indigenous communities experience disproportionate barriers to housing, education, and employment.
• Youth who grow up in equitable, supportive communities are more likely to complete school, find meaningful work, and contribute back to society.

Communities shape every part of a young person's life — from their health and safety to their opportunities for growth. When resources are scarce or systems are inequitable, cycles of poverty, exclusion, and poor health are harder to break. By focusing on equity, we can ensure all young people have fair access to the supports they need to succeed.

United Way Centraide's Role

United Way Centraide strengthens community health and equity by:

• Partnering with grassroots organizations that understand community needs.
• Advocating for systemic changes to reduce inequities across education, health, and employment.
• Supporting programs that advance health equity through access to safe spaces, wellness resources, and culturally relevant services.

When we build equity, we build stronger communities for everyone. By supporting United Way Centraide, you're helping create healthier, more just communities where every young person has the chance to reach their full potential.

Access to Health Support for Vulnerable Populations 

Not everyone in Canada gets the care they need.

Nearly 1 in 10 Canadians say they've had trouble getting the health care they need, often due to long wait times or cost. People living with health conditions - especially those in low-income, rural, or racialized communities - often face extra barriers to getting the care they need. These can include:

• long travel times to appointments
• limited access to specialists or family doctors
• high out-of-pocket costs for medication, supplies or treatment
• language barriers or systemic discrimination

These barriers can lead to delayed diagnoses, care and worse health over time. 

Quick Facts

• People with chronic illness can spend $2,000 or more per year on out-of-pocket costs - not including medication.
• Only 72.3% of Black Canadians report having a regular family doctor (vs. 83.8% of non-racialized Canadians).
• Racialized Canadians face higher rates of avoidable hospitalizations due to delays in diagnosis and care.

These are just a few examples of how vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by barriers to healthcare.

The HealthPartners' health collective works to reduce these gaps and break down these barriers by offering practical support to those who need it most, such as offering:

• Transportation programs to help people get to medical appointments
• Financial aid for medical costs, equipment, and medications
• Culturally inclusive education materials and support
• Navigation services to help people understand the healthcare system
• Advocacy for fairer health policies at every level of government

By offering a helping hand for those who need it most, the goal is ultimately to make healthcare in Canada more fair, inclusive, and accessible for all. Help make things equal - so that where you live or who you are doesn't determine how well you're cared for.