Bell Let's Talk Day

To mark Bell Let’s Talk Day, and to help end the stigma around mental illness, Mrs. Johnston spoke with employees and peer support leaders at the Lanark County Mental Health on the new peer support initiative.The discussion took place in Carleton Place, in Ottawa, on January 27, 2016.

As for Marie-Cécile Nottaway, she started her own catering business.

Social entrepreneurship was also discussed with Sunshine Tenasco, who built her own moccasins business called "Quemeez".

Their Excellencies learned about the Centre’s different projects and upcoming initiatives, and discussed the topics of mental health and mental illness with representatives from the Centre and students involved in the Onaki project—a program focused on mental health and school dropouts.

Gabriel Whiteduck sang an honour song on the occasion of Their Excellencies' visit.

Upon their arrival, they participated in a smudging ceremony conducted by Elder Francine Payer.

In the afternoon, Their Excellencies had a discussion with representatives from the First Peoples Innovation Centre in Gatineau, Quebec.

Lanark County Mental Health is a community-based mental health service responding to adults and transitional-aged youth (17 years old and over) from the region who experience mental health concerns. A multidisciplinary team that includes case managers, social workers, community mental health nurses, psychiatric consultants and social recreation workers provides a range of services including crisis response, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, court diversion and community supports.

For Mrs. Johnston, mental illness is a matter of health like any other physical disease: “We have a responsibility to educate ourselves, to pay attention and to listen. By reaching out to a family member, a friend or a colleague, we can all make a real difference in the lives of those who suffer in silence. Together, with acts of kindness, we can contribute to a more caring nation.”

This initiative helps reduce isolation, focuses on recovery and considers the wellness of the whole person, rather than just illness and disability. It also provides a safe place where individuals can develop an increased sense of hope, self-awareness and insight, as well as empathy for others.

The First Peoples Innovation Centre is a not-for-profit Aboriginal organization located in Gatineau. It assists with and promotes the development of social innovations designed by First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The Centre supports social entrepreneurs seeking new solutions to challenges faced by Aboriginal peoples and uses innovative approaches and tools to nurture the full potential of Aboriginal peoples and offer an alternative to distress. The Centre is particularly involved with Aboriginal youth, encouraging them to stay in school and championing social entrepreneurship.