Red Cross mental health program expansion thanks to Bell Let's Talk Day funding
Some of the funds raised through Bell Let's Talk Day will go toward expanding a Red Cross mental health program in western Canada, particularly in Indigenous communities.
The Friendly Calls program pairs a caller with someone to talk to, whether they need to be connected to mental health resources or just a sympathetic ear.
"There's a lot of isolation that's happening these days, and a lot of loneliness," said Shelley Cardinal, national director of Indigenous relations for the Canadian Red Cross.
The Red Cross said the program has been in high demand during the pandemic, with many Indigenous communities requesting it in their area.
"People are asking for somebody that they can talk to when they're having a day of struggles. Someone that they can talk to when they're feeling isolated that day, someone that they can talk to when they need an ear for the story at hand," said Cardinal.
The Friendly Calls program has been active for five years, but Cardinal says it was more active in central and eastern Canada. The new funding from Bell Let's Talk Day will allow the Red Cross to expand the program in western Canada.
The goal of the Friendly Calls program is to provide a spectrum of mental health support in real time to people in western Canada.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Kerry McAthey
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.