BELL Let’s Talk Day 2018 is set for Wednesday, January 31 and everyone is invited to join the Canadian conversation that’s leading the world in confronting the stigma around mental illness and sharing ideas to move mental health forward.

The 2018 Bell Let’s Talk Day awareness campaign spotlights personal stories from Canadians of all ages from all walks of life living with mental illness or providing support for those who do. The TV campaign begins today on sports networks TSN and RDS and continues with the support of multiple Canadian media and other organizations, including television networks; social media and other online platforms, radio and print; billboards and other out-of-home advertising; and in movie theatres with Cineplex, Cinémas Guzzo and the Hot Docs documentary film festival.

“A diverse and dedicated group of Canadians has come together to share their personal stories of struggle, recovery and support with everyone in the country. I thank them for offering their lived experience, encouraging all of us to talk openly about mental illness and how we can all support better mental health for everyone,” said Mary Deacon, Chair of the Bell Let’s Talk initiative. “I would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the many media and other organizations across the country supporting the awareness campaign as we look forward to Bell Let’s Talk Day on January 31.”

“As Bell Let’s Talk continues to grow each year, more inspiring voices join the conversation, and I’m incredibly excited to welcome all our new friends to the Bell Let’s Talk campaign,” said Clara Hughes, Canada’s 6-time Olympic medalist and Bell Let’s Talk Founding Spokesperson. “This amazing group of Canadians has a passion for sharing their experiences to encourage everyone to join in the conversation in communities all around the country. So let’s all keep talking and make January 31 a new record for Bell Let’s Talk Day here in Canada and everywhere around the world!”

Join the conversation on Bell Let’s Talk Day

On Bell Let’s Talk Day, millions of people in Canada and around the world send messages of support and encouragement for those struggling with mental illness, share their own stories and offer ideas about how we can improve everyone’s mental health.

Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for each of these interactions on January 31, at no extra cost to participants:

Text and talk: Every text message, mobile and long distance call made by Bell Canada, Bell Aliant and, new this year, Bell MTS customers in Manitoba

Twitter: Every tweet using #BellLetsTalk and Bell Let’s Talk Day video view

Facebook: Every view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video at Facebook.com/BellLetsTalk and use of the Bell Let’s Talk frame

Instagram: Every Bell Let’s Talk Day video view

Snapchat: Every use of the Bell Let’s Talk geofilter and video view

Since launching in 2010, Bell Let’s Talk has supported organizations providing mental health care and services in every region of Canada. Focused on 4 key action pillars – anti-stigma, care and access, research and workplace leadership – Bell Let’s Talk programs include major donations to hospitals, universities and other care and research organizations across Canada and these dedicated programs: the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund for local community mental health organizations; the Bell True Patriot Love Fund for military members, veterans and their families; a fund supporting mental health care in Canada’s Territories; and most recently a new fund dedicated to Indigenous mental health in Manitoba, launched alongside the creation of Bell MTS with a donation to Winnipeg’s Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre.

To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk