Timmins raises Bell Let's Talk flag, reminding citizens to do a mental health check
The Bell Let's Talk flag is flying in front of municipal buildings on Algonquin Boulevard in Timmins.
Mayor Michelle Boileau said the city is using the Bell Let's Talk toolkit to encourage its employees to take part in activities that promote mental wellness.
Timmins mayor Michelle Boileau (centre), Paula Del Guidice (right), health and safety manager for the City of Timmins and Paul Jalbert (left), the executive director for Canadian Mental Health Association Cochrane-Temiskaming said raising the Bell Let's Talk flag reminds people that talking about mental health helps break down barriers. Jan. 25/23 (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario).
Boileau said the initiative has been well received and said it gives them a chance to take a moment to talk to their friends and colleagues about mental health.
"It’s something we’re happy and proud to do every year and it also gives us a chance to be a little bit of a leader to employers to the wider community to encourage the community to take on the Bell Let’s Talk activities and take part in these awareness activities," she said.
Officials with Canadian Mental Health Association Cochrane-Temiskaming said despite the services available to people, they are not always accessed.
"Even in 2023 there are still challenges walking through the door of a service provider. We don’t want that," said Pau Jalbert, the local CMHA executive director.
"This should be as easy as walking into a dentist’s office or going to the emergency department and these are the types events that help us break down those barriers."
The Bell Let's Talk flag will continue to fly throughout the week.
If you or someone you know is struggling, mental health support is available.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.