• $1 million annual fund supports local access to community mental health care
• Almost 350 groups around Canada have received Community Fund grants since 2011
• Visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk to learn more and apply for a grant

MONTRÉAL, Jan. 17, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today announced the launch of the annual $1-million Bell Let's Talk Community Fund for 2017. Grant applications are now being accepted for local mental health initiatives that improve access to care in communities around the country.

"Over the past 6 years the Bell Let's Talk Community Fund has supported 344 grassroots mental health initiatives in communities all around Canada," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "As part of our broader national initiative, the Community Fund takes a localized approach to improving the lives of people who struggle with mental illness in every region. We look forward to supporting many more local organizations doing great work on the front lines in 2017."

Registered charities are invited to apply for a grant up to $25,000 to help fund local mental health programs, and all submitted applications are reviewed by a committee of mental health experts from across Canada. The 2017 application period runs until March 31 and all 2017 grants will be disbursed before December 31, 2017.

"As Minister of Health, I know how important it is that we take action to reduce stigma around mental illness, and improve access to mental health care," said the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health. "I congratulate Bell, its partners and all Canadians who are taking part in Bell Let's Talk. By sharing personal stories and struggles, Canadians are bringing mental wellness into the spotlight and helping to end the stigma by engaging in a national conversation. Remember, there is no health without mental health."

"Madison Community Services supports a large number of refugees who come to Canada," said Madison's Executive Director Jean Stevenson. "As was recognized in the recent Senate Committee on Human Rights Report, post-traumatic stress disorder further complicates what is already a challenging transition for many refugees coming to Canada to make a new life. With the Bell Let's Talk Community Fund grant, Madison is ensuring that refugees with mental health challenges receive the counseling and mental health care they need to make a successful transition to their new country."

To learn more about the Bell Let's Talk Community Fund and to apply for 2017 funding, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

Bell Let's Talk Day is January 25
On January 25, Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for each of these interactions at no extra charge to participants:

• Every text message, mobile and long distance call made by Bell Canada and Bell Aliant customers.
• Twitter: Every tweet using #BellLetsTalk
• Facebook: Every view of the Bell Let's Talk Day video at Facebook.com/BellLetsTalk
• Instagram: Every post using #BellLetsTalk
• Snapchat: Every use of the Bell Let's Talk Snapchat geofilter

Bell's donations are made at no extra charge to Bell Let's Talk Day participants, though normal long distance or text charges. if any, apply.

With Bell Let's Talk Day 2016 setting new records with 125.9 million messages of support, Bell increased its funding for Canadian mental health by $6,295,764.75 last year. With its original anchor donation of $50 million and the results of the first 6 Bell Let's Talk Days, Bell's total funding commitment for mental health now stands at $79,919,178.55, and is expected to surpass $100 million in 2020.

About Bell Let's Talk
The Bell Let's Talk initiative 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 initiatives. To learn more about the Bell Let's Talk campaign, and to download the Bell Let's Talk toolkit to help get the conversation started, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business customers with wireless, TV, Internet, home phone and business communications services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, out of home, and digital media. Bell is wholly owned by Montréal's BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For more information, please visit Bell.ca

Media inquiries:

Jacqueline Michelis
(613) 785-1427
[email protected]
@Bell_News

SOURCE Bell Canada