On Wednesday, January 25th, Bell Let’s Talk is using social media as a platform to connect people together in an effort to raise awareness for mental health.
Making its debut in 2011, this annual campaign raises funds to donate to different mental health initiatives.
Several sites are participating this year, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and for the first time ever, Snapchat.
PHD student at Western University, and Bell Let’s Talk team leader, Eric Collins, says promoting the campaign through these outlets works since their use is such a cultural norm.
“It’s a great way to be able to connect with people quickly and easily across the country. I think it’s very important to have a day like Bell Let’s Talk because it gives people who are struggling an opportunity to connect.”
Collins says even though the stigmas associated with it are decreasing, we aren’t quite where we should be, and hopes some things change soon.
“What I’m finding is the biggest barrier in terms of mental health is having affordable and accessible care.”
He adds that anyone can participate in the one day only event. On Facebook, you can watch the Bell Let’s Talk video, on Instagram and Twitter, you can use the hashtag #BellLetsTalk, and on Snapchat, you can use the Bell filter which will be added for the day.
Every time an online effort is made to participate in Bell Let’s Talk, Bell Canada will donate an additional 5 cents to different organizations trying to help those with mental health concerns and end the stigmas around them. Last year, Canadians helped raise over $6 million.
