MEDIA RELEASE:
Canadian Mental Health Association expands BounceBack® across Manitoba
Funding from Bell Let’s Talk supports increased access
Winnipeg, November 18, 2020 – Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Manitoba and Winnipeg today announced the expansion of CMHA’s BounceBack® program, thanks to a donation from Bell Let’s Talk. BounceBack is currently offered in select areas with support from the Interlake-Eastern Health Region, the Winnipeg Health Region and grants from RBC Foundation and the Winnipeg Foundation. The additional donation from Bell Let’s Talk will provide access to this evidence-based program for more Manitobans throughout the province.
“CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg is pleased to expand this service when so many people are struggling with their mental health. COVID-19 is here now, but the mental health impacts will last long after the pandemic is over. We know from experience that BounceBack can unlock the door to new skills and a better quality of life,” said Marion Cooper, Executive Director, CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg.
BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program effective in helping adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Through telephone coaching and a selection of skill-building workbooks to choose from, participants can customize their own program, learn ways to overcome their symptoms and improve their mental well-being now and in future.
“Bell Let’s Talk is proud to help CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg offer the BounceBack program to more Manitobans as the demand for virtual mental health supports increases as a result of COVID-19,” said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk. “Through the expansion of the BounceBack program across the province, CMHA is supporting Manitobans now in this time of crisis and uncertainty in communities across the province and into the future.”
Based on cognitive behavioural therapy, BounceBack has been shown to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms by 50% at program completion. The donation from Bell Let’s Talk has enabled CMHA to leverage existing expertise in BC, Manitoba and Ontario where the program is already funded by governments and donors, to expand the impact of this evidence-based program to more Canadians.
Available to Manitobans in English and French, the program is free to all participants and will be delivered by coaches who are extensively trained and overseen by clinical psychologists. Participants can be referred by a primary care provider or choose to self-refer as long as they’re connected with a primary care provider, giving Canadians more choice in accessing support from home.
Bell Let’s Talk funding has supported the creation of a national website and toll-free number where Canadians can learn about BounceBack and find out whether it is right for them. For Manitoba residents interested in registering for the program, please visit cmha.ca/BounceBack.
About Bell Let’s Talk
Bell Let’s Talk promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
About the Canadian Mental Health Association in Manitoba
Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. CMHA Manitoba was incorporated in 1952 and has a provincial presence with branches and offices in Thompson, Swan River, The Pas, Dauphin, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk and Winnipeg. CMHA provides rights protection and advocacy, diverse programs and resources that help prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all to flourish and thrive. We work to improve the lives of all Manitobans through leadership, collaboration, and continual pursuit of excellence in community-based mental health and addiction services. To learn more please visit mbwpg.cmha.ca