Creston, BC – April 16, 2020: Taking care of our mental health and well-being is a priority during times of stress and uncertainty. In our current COVID-19 environment this is especially true. We often find it difficult to admit that we are struggling with our mental health; however, it’s important to remember that we are all in this together. In the words of Melanie Mark, Provincial Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, “No matter what – we need to break the stigma when it comes to mental health.”
Mental Health Supports - the Federal and Provincial government announced additional mental health supports this week:
- Wellness Together Canada is a free online resource with tools, applications and connections to trained volunteers and mental health professionals. It can be accessed at ca.portal.gs. If you are an adult and need immediate support please text WELLNESS to 741741. If you are a youth and need immediate support please text WELLNESS to 686868.
- Here2Talk is a program available to all students currently registered in a BC post-secondary institution providing access to free, confidential and community referral services available 24/7. Chat sessions with a trained counsellor can be accessed by visiting here2talk.ca by downloadable app or by phone at 1-877-857-3397.
- For a list of Federal and Provincial Mental Health resources please visit: https://www.creston.ca/2415/COVID-19-Mental-Health
Small Business Supports: This morning the Province announced further support for small businesses through the B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service. This service, operated by Small Business BC, will act as a one-stop resource to answer questions regarding provincial and federal government business supports. Advisors are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This service can be accessed by phone at 1-833-254-4357 or by email at covid@smallbusinessbc.ca. For more information please visit https://covid.smallbusinessbc.ca.
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