Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund

Learn more about how some of our Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund recipients are working to expand access to mental health services for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities around Canada.

Learn more

Thank You!

On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Canadians and people around the world joined in to help create positive change for people living with mental health issues. Thanks to your 164,298,820 actions, Bell will donate more to Canadian mental health initiatives.

Find out where the funds go

Bell Let's Talk Day 2022: Supporting ourselves and each other

Keep Being There
Keep Listening
Join in to create positive change

5 simple ways to end the stigma and start a conversation

Stigma can often prevent those struggling with a mental illness from seeking the help they need. Developed in partnership with Dr. Heather Stuart, the Bell Canada Mental Health and Anti-stigma Research Chair at Queen's University, here are 5 simple ways to help end the stigma and initiate a conversation.

Your words matter

The words you use can make all the difference. Words can help, but they can also hurt. What would you choose?

  • Schizo
  • Crazy
  • Person with schizophrenia
  • Person with a mental illness

Did you know?

When it comes to mental illness, education is key. Having the right tools, knowing the right words to use and understanding how to correctly speak with someone experiencing a mental illness can make all the difference. View the Bell Let’s Talk Toolkit

Kindness is key

Simple kindness can make a world of a difference. Whether it be a smile, being a good listener or an invitation for a chat over coffee, these simple acts of kindness can help open up the conversation and let someone know you’re there for them.

Expressions like “You’ll get over it” and “Just relax” can hurt more than help. Instead, offer your support and say “I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well” or better yet, ask what you can do to help.

Your presence is all it takes

Mental illness is a very common form of human pain and suffering. Being a good listener and asking how you can help or simply just being there for people you care about can be the first step to recovery.

Here are a few examples of what to ask:

  • I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well.
  • I’ve noticed you’ve been down lately. Is everything OK?
  • How can I help?

Break the silence

Two out of three people suffer in silence, fearing judgement and rejection. Being open to a conversation is the first step towards eliminating the stigma.

Know the facts, be kind, be a good listener and a friend. Be part of the conversation to eliminate the stigma once and for all.

Discover more

“In the last year alone, Bell has fueled over 4 million connections with young people across this country reaching out to Kids Help Phone. Thanks to Bell’s commitment for over 30 years, we’re there for young people 24/7, even at 2 in the morning.”

Katherine Hay, President & CEO, Kids Help Phone

“In a year when families were isolated, our Mother Reach perinatal mental health support group provided a safe, welcoming space online for 60 mothers to gather weekly and share their feelings and experiences while learning from and supporting each other. Thank you, Bell Let’s Talk.”

Yvette Scrivener, Executive Director, Childreach

“With Bell Let’s Talk’s generous gift of $1 million and matched government funding, Strongest Families Institute has helped more than 2,000 additional children, youth and families in Atlantic Canada.”

Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie, President & CEO, Strongest Families Institute

“CMHA Yukon’s Peer Support Training Project has enhanced and fostered incredible relationships amongst 350 volunteers, clients and stakeholders thanks to our Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund grant.”

Tiffanie Tasane, Executive Director, CMHA Yukon

“Lateral empathy has helped us cope with COVID-19 and the need for support exponentially. OPK has responded to that demand based on this teaching, supporting 2,691 participants, thanks to support from Bell Let’s Talk.”

Sherryl Blacksmith, Executive Director, Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin

Find out where the funds go

Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund – Ka Ni Kanichihk

Winnipeg, Thursday, June 2, 2022

Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund partner Ka Ni Kanichihk talks about their Cultural Wellness and Elder Care project and how they are embedding Indigenous ways of being and doing as part of healing and wellness for families and community.

Read more

Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund – Les Ballons Intensifs

Montréal, Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Les Ballons Intensifs shares how they will provide specific training on mental health issues to camp coordinators, counsellors, and young people. The aim is to deconstruct certain prejudices, to better equip them to seek resources when necessary and to develop their resilience when faced with adversity.

Read more

Follow us

facebook twitter instagram