A message for all Canadians

Organizations from across Canada join with Morneau Shepell to create WellCan, a hub of sustainable, free resources for Canadians seeking help

TORONTO, April 6, 2020 /CNW/ - Dear fellow Canadians,

Recognizing that in this time of a significant and society altering crisis, it is the responsibility of Canadian companies and organizations to pool and dedicate their resources to support their fellow citizens. We, the undersigned companies and organizations have come together in this moment of national mobilization and in the spirit of public service.

We have established a unique, and evolving partnership that combines the strengths of the organizations involved, to develop a mobile app and website that offers all Canadians easy access to an extensive range of free resources to support their mental health.

Called WellCan, this collection of digital resources will be accessible, free and available to everyone in Canada online and in app stores this week. As an online hub of free mental health services offered to Canadians, WellCan will continuously be refreshed with the latest information and resources.

While the COVID-19 virus is feared for its potential to overwhelm the Canadian health-care system with those suffering from the physical symptoms of COVID-19, the toll on the mental health of Canadians is also expected to be severe, both now and in the coming months, and potentially years.

In Morneau Shepell's monthly Mental Health Index that surveys Canadian workers, there has already been a significantly negative change in the mental health of Canadians because of COVID-19. The largest negative change was seen in the measure of anxiety, followed by helplessness, lack of optimism and isolation.  

As Canadians, we're proud of how our governments, health-care workers, and community organizations are putting the health and safety of Canadians first in grappling with COVID-19. By launching this mental-health initiative through WellCan, our hope is to make an ongoing contribution to a critical yet under-served dimension of this crisis that affects all Canadians.

Together, and only together, will we get through this.

Corporate partners:

• Morneau Shepell
• Canada Life
• Sun Life
• Bell Canada/Bell Let's Talk

Community and public sector partners:

• WE
• jack.org
• Strongest Families
• EHN Canada
• Mental Health Commission of Canada

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.