The First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line provides culturally competent support 24/7
OTTAWA, Oct. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - Left untreated, mental illness can be incredibly damaging to individuals and communities, and supports need to be both accessible and culturally appropriate. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nations and Inuit leaders, as well as provincial and territorial governments, to provide effective, sustainable and culturally appropriate mental wellness programs and services for First Nations and Inuit.
Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, announced the launch of the national toll-free First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line. The Help Line, which started operation on October 1, provides immediate, culturally competent, telephone crisis intervention counselling support for First Nations and Inuit, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Counsellors can also work with callers to identify follow-up services they can access. Counselling is available in English and French and, upon request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktut.
Health Canada will continue to work with Indigenous leaders to develop a long-term plan to address mental health issues being faced by Indigenous peoples.
Quick Facts
- The new toll-free number for the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line is 1‑855‑242-3310.
- Indigenous people are at a greater risk of experiencing mental health issues. Suicide is a significant concern in some communities, particularly in the North and in remote areas.
- The Help Line is being funded as part of the $69 million announced by the Government of Canada in June 2016 to support crisis response teams, mental wellness teams and increased access to mental health care services.
- The Government of Canada provides more than $300 million annually for mental wellness programming for First Nations on reserve and Inuit in Inuit communities.
Quotes
"I have been deeply troubled by the many stories I have heard about First Nations and Inuit youth struggling with mental wellness. This Government acknowledges the scope and seriousness of the mental health issues facing many First Nations and Inuit communities across the country, and we are committed to working collaboratively with our partners to address these complex issues. The launch of the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line is an important step forward and makes culturally safe telephone counselling support available around the clock and across the country, for those who need it, when they need it."
Jane Philpott
Minister of Health
"First Nations and Inuit youth have told us about the challenges they face - from bullying to low self-esteem, from sexual violence to a lost sense of purpose and secure-cultural identity. It is our job to make sure youth have the support they need, and that they do not lose hope. Proper mental health starts with strong homes and families. That is why we made historic investments, $8.4 billion, through Budget 2016 to support Indigenous people across the country, which includes addressing gaps in housing and child welfare. With the launch of the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line, youth will now have a culturally safe place - in their language, including in Inuktut, to tell their stories, which we hope will bring much needed healing."
Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
"We welcome Minister Philpott's recognition of the urgent mental wellness needs in our communities, and we welcome the establishment of the Help Line. The Help Line must be fully supported to provide immediate assistance to our community members in times of need. This is just one tool that can be used to provide comprehensive mental wellness and life promotion services in all First Nations communities across the country. True reconciliation means closing the gaps in health service delivery and promoting positive and healthy lifestyles for First Nations."
Isadore Day
AFN Regional Chief, Ontario
"We must provide Inuit who need help – especially young Inuit – with the supports they require in a culturally safe manner. The creation of a national crisis line for Inuit and First Nations is a welcome step in the right direction. As directed by the 2016 National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy, ITK will continue to work with national, regional, and community partners to ensure that Inuit across Inuit Nunangat have access to Inuit-specific help lines in our own language, Inuktitut [Inuktut]. I look forward to working with Health Canada towards the development of a continuum of mental wellness services for Inuit, of which this initiative will be a key part."
Natan Obed
President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Associated Links
Mental health counselling benefits
Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/media
SOURCE Health Canada
Andrew MacKendrick, Office of Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations: Health Canada, 613-957-2983; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866 225-0709
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