Canadian Armed Forces participate in 'Bell Let's Talk' Day
News Release
January 26, 2016
OTTAWA – The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will hold multiple mental health awareness events across Canada in support of the Bell Let’s Talk campaign to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness tomorrow.
The sixth annual Bell Let’s Talk Day on Wednesday January 27, 2016, invites all Canadians to help end the stigma surrounding mental illness and support mental health initiatives around the country. On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell donates five cents to support mental health initiatives across Canada for every text, mobile call, and long distance call made by Bell and Bell Aliant customers, for every tweet using #BellLetsTalk and every Facebook share of the Bell Let's Talk image. As a partner of Bell, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the CAF are proud to support this important initiative to continue the conversation around mental health and the stigma attached to mental illness.
Activities will include:
- A panel discussion on mental health at CFB Petawawa. Members of the panel will include Bell Let’s Talk Ambassador and Great Big Sea founding member, Séan McCann, CAF mental health professionals, and CAF members who will share their valuable experiences with dealing with mental illness - both personally and as unit leaders.
- The panel discussion will be moderated by CTV’s Kevin Newman; Colonel C.J.J Mialkowski will offer opening remarks.
- The CAF will be active on social media, using #BellLetsTalk and #CAFLetsTalk on Twitter and Canadian Armed Forces Facebook.
- The Chief of the Defence Staff plans to hold a mental health discussion during the Defence Leadership Symposium, which will be held in Ottawa.
Quick Facts
- CAF members are asked to be part of the discussion by sharing their ideas for stigma reduction through CAF social media sites.
- If you or someone you know requires emergency mental health assistance, seek help through your health care provider, your local emergency department or call 911. Help is also available by calling the CAF Member Assistance Program at 1-800-268-7708 (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or going to the nearest CAF health clinic or civilian emergency health care centre.
Quotes
“I am committed to ensuring that the mental wellbeing of our men and women in uniform is a priority. CAF leadership provides responsive support services and programs for the needs of our members, and I commend the men and women who seek the treatment and help they need in order to be their best selves.”
- General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff
“The Canadian Armed Forces is a longstanding partner with Bell in this initiative to raise awareness and encourage dialogue around mental health. I encourage all Canadians to join in the conversation through Bell Let’s Talk and to keep the discussion going, so that we can improve the awareness and understanding of mental illness and help to eliminate stigma.”
- Brigadier-General H.C. MacKay, Canadian Armed Forces Surgeon General
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Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
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