Funding is part of a commitment of $100 million to support those most affected by COVID-19
Ottawa – As we recognize Mental Health Week 2023, we remain committed to promoting positive mental health for everyone, particularly individuals who were disproportionally impacted by the pandemic.
Élisabeth Brière, Parliamentary Secretary to Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced $8.5 million in funding to expand the Canadian Red Cross’ Friendly Calls program.
The Friendly Calls program pairs a trained Red Cross team member with an adult who could benefit from greater connection or may have limited social and family links. At a regularly scheduled time, Red Cross personnel call the people with whom they are paired for a social chat, connecting them, if needed, with resources available in their community. The program aims to enhance social connectedness and well-being, with a focus on reaching older adults, Indigenous peoples, frontline workers, parents, caregivers and anyone who may benefit from increased access to regular emotional support, social interaction, enhanced coping skills and community connections to other existing support.
Today’s announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s investments in Budget 2023, including our plan to invest nearly $200 Billion over 10 years to improve health care services for Canadians, reduce surgical backlogs, support health workers, and improve integrated mental health and substance use services. We will continue to do whatever it takes to provide all Canadians with the mental health and substance use supports they need, whenever and wherever they need them.
“Mental health impacts all of us. Isolation and loneliness can be debilitating. The Canadian Red Cross’ Friendly Calls program helps create meaningful connections between people. I’m thrilled that federal government is funding it.” – Yasir Naqvi, MP for Ottawa Centre