Bell Let’s Talk Day 2021: Join the Defence Team conversation about mental health

January 22, 2021 – Defence Stories

Bell Let’s Talk Day is January 28, 2021

About Bell Let’s Talk Day

Bell Let’s Talk Day is an annual event that encourages a national conversation about mental health. Now in its 11^th year, the campaign is dedicated to creating a Canada free from the stigma that surrounds mental illness by building awareness and raising funds for mental health services and programs.

To date, nearly $108 million has been committed to supporting mental health initiatives across the country, with $2.1 million going towards supporting military families through the Bell True Patriot Love Fund – that’s over 20,000 current and former Defence Team families who have been helped.

Get involved

Defence Team members are encouraged to take part in Bell Let’s Talk Day by talking, texting, and tweeting about mental health under this year’s campaign theme: When it comes to mental health – now more than ever – every action counts.

On Bell Let’s Talk Day, for every text message, mobile, and long distance call made by Bell customers, every tweet or TikTok video using the hashtag #BellLetsTalk, use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook frame and Snapchat filter, and every view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video on social media, Bell will donate five cents to support Canadian mental health programs.

Defence Team members are also encouraged to share their thoughts and continue the conversation about mental health using the hashtag #CAFLetsTalk.

Activities and events

In line with the current environment and COVID-19 public health measures, Bell Let’s Talk Day looks a bit different this year.

On January 28, Defence Team members are encouraged to virtually recognize the Day and tune into the official DND/CAF Facebook and Instagram channels to learn more about the importance of mental health and the resources that are available to support personal well-being.

Virtual Mental Health Ask Me Anything: Bell Let’s Talk

Watch pre-recorded sessions where you’ll hear from DND/CAF Mental Health co-Champions, Deputy Minister, Jody Thomas, Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General M. N. Rouleau, and National President of Federal Government Dockyard Trades and Labour Council (East) Mr. Jerry Ryan, speak to how the pandemic has impacted our well-being, offer guidance on how we can all work to build our resilience, and answer some of the more pressing questions posed by Defence Team members on the topic.

Also hear from Chief Warrant Officer Martin Colbert mental health expert, LCol Andrea Tuka, Capt(N) Troy Richard, and Defence Scientist Dr. Carla Sowinski, provide their insights on wellbeing and their personal experiences with mental health struggles throughout their careers.

Check out The Maple Leaf and follow the official DND/CAF social media channels throughout Bell Let’s Talk Day to watch these features.

Government of Canada Bell Let's Talk Day 2021

On this Bell Let's Talk Day, join the Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace, the Canada School of Public Service, the Federal Youth Network and colleagues across Canada for a national conversation on mental health, diversity and inclusion.

Members of the Bell Let's Talk team and senior public service leaders will share their experiences and offer tips on how to move from raising awareness to taking concrete steps to make Government of Canada workplaces psychologically healthier and safer.

Date and time: January 28, 2021 | 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm (ET)
Registration deadline: January 27, 2021, 10:00 am (ET)
Location: This event will be delivered virtually.

Learn more about and register for the event.

Mental health resources

The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in a high degree of uncertainty and disruption, and it is not unusual to feel a heightened degree of anxiety and worry about the potential impact on yourself and your family.

As we continue to navigate through this uncertain time, Defence Team members can access a variety of resources and information to help maintain and improve our mental health and overall personal well-being.

Staying healthy at home

Access a range of courses and webinars to stay mentally and physically fit from home.